Old 06-01-2017, 08:53 AM
  #3  
atpwannabe
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Joined APC: Jan 2006
Position: Math Teacher
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Originally Posted by jridfw View Post
Hey everyone! Happy Hump Day

So, after doing an extensive search through the forum and reading some great advice, I I wanted to throw out a circumstance that my boyfriend is in because I see some great info, but it's pretty dated.

*I apologize for the length ahead of time; I registered for the forum today and I want to get answers to all questions if possible *

My boyfriend made some mistakes when he was younger and now has two alcohol related charges on his record from when he was 20 and 21 (before he met me). He is now 24, in a very healthy spot in his life, and wants to make flying a dream come true.
When he first submitted the application for his first class, because he was honest about his past, he was denied the medical until he saw a psychiatrist for an evaluation due to 'alcohol dependence'. He waited for about 2 months, and just got a letter from the FAA stating that they are 'unable to establish eligibility to hold an airman medical certificate at this time'. In the letter, it lists requirements for further consideration including rehab, AA, counseling, random drug tests, 4-6 months of successful ongoing monitoring, a second psychological evaluation, and then request for consideration for a Special Issuance.

He is completely willing to go through these steps.

My questions:
- is he monitored for the rest of his career now because of stupid choices in the past?
- will be never be able to enjoy the freedom of having a drink or two, even if he doesn't drink?
- will this follow him and keep him from jobs?

The second issue/circumstance is that he will be doing a SODA because of minor vision color impairments (not even sure I explained that correctly).
Question: will this keep him from jobs too?

I want this so badly for him because he has worked so hard at a clean record and getting his life back together.

I really really appreciate all of the help/advice I can get. From what I can see, this is an extremely dedicated and caring group of aviation professionals.

Thanks again!!!

Good afternoon:

First the best thing I can tell you is for boyfriend to do everything that is in the letter except seeing the psychiatrist. Instead, have him to get a HIMS evaluation. This evaluation is comprised of not only a neuro-psychological eval but also a psychiatric one as well. Trust me, I/ve been through the process and the FAA would not have told you that.

Second, in the Special Issuance office in DC, tell him to speak to Pam. Just have him tell her that an old neighbor of her's (from the Westward Expansion in WPB, FL) spoke to her about 7 years ago about the SI process. Pam will give him vital information in terms of the HIMS/SI process and how the FAA uses the information/results in terms of determining one's eligibility for the SI medical certificate.

Third, your boyfriend has to understand that the FAA has a set of rules and standards that they go by. Because of the two previous infractions with alcohol, they will see him as someone who has alcohol dependency. Is he an alcoholic? I don't know and really neither does the FAA. The only person the capable of answering that question is your boyfriend.

Finally, you asked whether or not if he'd be able to go out for a cocktail or two, even if he doesn't drink. That's an oxymoron. Either he drinks or he doesn't! Now within the parameters of that...he's either a occasional/social drinker or borderline/full blown alcoholic. Again, it's either one or the other! Having said that, with what he's trying to do in terms of pursuing a flying career, my advice to him is to STOP drinking....and STAY STOPPED!


atp

Last edited by atpwannabe; 06-01-2017 at 09:05 AM.
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