dds1

Hi,

I had on and off depressions from 2002, which I've cured and jumped off from my prescribed medications which gave following result: I had major depression in 2006 with paranoid psychosis, which required 3 weeks of hospitalisation. After I've disciplined myself and listen my MD, where last 6 years I'm taking Zoloft and Abilify without any psychollogical problems. I've allways enjoyed flying as a passenger, from commercial airlines to Piper CUB Is is there a remote possibility to get green light on medical examination for PPL license?
Sorry for bad English,

Thank you very much!

rickair7777

There is a possibility. In the past you had to be off all meds for something like 6 months and the issue had to resolved. They recently changed it so if you are on certain meds, stable, and the condition is fully under control you can get a medical certificate. It will be easier to get a third class medical for private pilot flying as opposed to a first or second for commercial flying, but even the latter can be obtained.

SSRIs for depression can be granted a medical...not sure about the history of psychosis though.

First I'd talk to your doc and make sure that he will certify in writing that you are stable, under control, and safe (in his opinion) to fly an airplane.

Then go to an FAA AME and start the application process...the FAA will require documentation and possibly an independent psych eval.

There are aviation medicine consulting firms, but I wouldn't spend the money on those just to inquire about recreational flying, I'd go see an AME and apply for a third class medical.

rotorhead1026

DDS, it's a long, winding, expensive road, but a Class III medical may be possible. You can't go to just any AME; has to be what's called an HIMS AME. There are only a few. One of them, highly regarded, is here ...

Bruce B Chien CFIA-I-MEI-ATP - Home

If he's too far he can probably hook you up with one that's closer.

Do not even START to fill out an application for an FAA medical until you've consulted with such an AME. It's actually possible to get what's known as a Sport Pilot license, which requires no medical - but as noted above your regular doc would have to agree you're healthy enough to fly. A medical denial by FAA, though, would prohibit you from taking advantage of this license.

threeighteen

I'd get the sport pilot license, fly around for a while, then apply for a third class medical and try to get a PPL.

lbfowlerjrmd

'Pilots who take one of four (4) antidepressants - Prozac, Zoloft, Celexa or Lexapro (or generic SSRI equivalents) may be considered after extensive testing and evidence of successful use without side effects for a year'

The list of HIMS AME is online. I assume your are interested in a U.S. lic. Yes the process is long 6 to 24 months and $$$ but no more so than programs for doctors nurses lawyers. Currently the abilify is a no no. Go peruse the himsprogram.com website.

GOOD LUCK

rotorhead1026

dds1, the quoted poster is too modest to note this, but look at his tagline and avatar notes, especially if you live near the Gulf Coast (USA). I'll note that your certification path is a bit different, since you are no longer on the meds. It's a good idea to act on advice that's from the horse's mouth.