determined2fly

I am hoping all you seasoned veterans and experts out there can help me answer a question I have, but first a little backround information.

Back in October of 08, I was on a trip from HNL-SAN. The first leg of my trip, uneventful on a 767. The second leg of my trip, I had to catch a EMB 120 Brasillia from LAX to SAN. This is where I ran into some anxiety issues. I had booked a seat in the aisle. Due to weight and balance issues, I was moved from my aisle seat to a window and had a seat companion on the aisle. After I settled in my window seat and getting a feel for my surroundings, I quickly started to become very uncomfortable. My heart rate went up and I started to feel a shortness of breath. I felt so uncomfortable about how I was feeling, I asked if I can get off the plane. I would have muched rather drive than feel anxiety for the short 35 mintue flight. Right before I was allowed off, the flight attendant asked if I would like to switch with someone who had an asile seat and I agreed. After swithing seats I felt ok. My return trip back to HNL was no big deal and unventful as I did not have to fly on a EMB 120 to a connecting flight. A couple months ago, I left on another trip. This time a 767 that was fully booked. My seat was towards the rear of the aircraft on the asile. That same uneasy feeling started to come over me. During the pushback, I got up and went to the restroom. I splashed myself with cold water and the FA handed me a bottled water as I came out (perhaps she thought I was hungover). I regained my composure and was able to relax throughtout the whole flight.

I am supposed to leave on another trip shortly. This time I will be in on an asile seat again towards the back of a full plane. I will also be connecting on an ATR 42 for a short 30 mintue flight. The thought of being in a crammed cabin on both the 767 and ATR 42 is bringing back those same feelings of anxiety and the trip is 4 days away. I decided to seek the aid of a Dr. in hopes that I can be prescirbed something that can help me relax. Ive always loved airports and flying as a kid. I even enjoying flying myself around in a C172. When I graduate from college this year, I would like to continue to fly and become a commercial pilot until I retire. My question to all season veterans and experts in the field is in regards to seeking Dr.'s help. Will seeking Dr.'s help for drugs to help me cope with my anxitey come back to haunt me when it is time to interview? Will I be asked when getting my 1st class medical? Are all hospital records reveiewed by FAA and the airlines and will this issue possibly be called into question?

I am hoping it is just some bizzare phase im going through, becuase I have flown since ive been a toddler over 500,000 miles. What would cause me to react this way? Was it the once time I felt that way in the EMB which has caused me to react this way? The funny thing is I have taken airplane rides in the back seat of Cessnas and Pipers without any problems. Any help, advice, assitance is greatly appreciated. I would just like to know if this would adversly affect my chances of becoming a professional pilot one day.

SkyHigh

Sit in an emergency row. After flying for nearly two decades I too began to feel uncomfortable as a passenger. Sitting in an emergency exit row seemed to help.

I still do not like being a passenger.

Skyhigh

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TPROP4ever

The Good news, most pilots dont like the back, I think its a control thing, and most pilots are Type A personalities, they are however able to control those feelings, the real question is can you, or are they getting worse every time? and be honest with yourself before you go to the doctor.

The Bad....yes any med for anxiety or anything that can be considered a mental issue can be questioned when applying for a 1st class med, but also realize if these feelings do get worse, without meds, do not allow them to escalate into an issue on a commercial flight, that kind of issue could really haunt you. I know this might not be the answers your looking for but they are my opinion based on what info you have given us...Good Luck

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rickair7777

First off, if you have any doubts about your well-being, seek professional medical help right away.

Since you have been flying for years and are just now experiencing this, something has probably changed. This might be an anxiety manifestation of some other issue in your life, such as job, career, financial or relationship stress. It might also be a chemical imbalance cause by some medical problem, but this is less likely.

There are two ways to approach this:

Professional Medical Help: This will create issues with your FAA medical. At the very least, the AME will require a letter from your doctor explaining the situation and stating that you are now OK. If meds are involved, you will need to wait 6 months after completing them before you can get a medical, and will need a letter and/or special psych eval. You can get a first class after you are 100% better, but some airlines may ask about things like that and disqualify you, especially overseas.

Self Help: In the case of mild depression, this is pretty easy to do, and many pilots go this route to avoid FAA issues. There is PLENTY of literature and web info, plus some really good homeopathic remedies (grey area on reporting those to the FAA). Mild situational depression is aggravated by the persons frame of mind and thought patterns, which you can change on your own. Anxiety is a related condition which is often but not always associated with depression.

I would do a lot of internet research and see if you can pin down what you think might be causing this. If you can do that, you might try some self remedies. But if there is any doubt, see a professional.

Good Luck

B757christopher

determined2fly, check your PM's.

nfnsquared

I'm coming in very late on this one, but did you happen to ever be treated for heart burn (GERD) by taking a Proton Pump Inhibitor? PPIs are well documented to have a serious side effect of anxiety attacks.

rickt86

I sure hope that doesnt happen to me, i take a PpI daily