Originally Posted by
Westcoastdude
Last Spring I made the stupid decision to drive while intoxicated and blew a .15. I reported everything to the FAA in which they came back and required me to get a substance evaluation by a psychiatrist. I did that and the psychiatrist stated alcohol abuse not dependence and recommend monitoring. Luckily, I’ve already been doing monitoring for the past 4 months and I’ve sent each urine test to the FAA. I also sent the FAA a liver function test to prove I do not have liver damage.
My file is now in OKC waiting for a decision...the HIMS AME has advised to me get a cog screen done which will cost me ~$2500... he said the FAA may label this as dependence even though the psychiatrist clearly stated it’s not and this cog screen could be our “saving grace”.
My medical expires in a few months. Im in my 20s and currently employed by a 121 carrier. Does anyone have any experience with this? Would the FAA make me go to treatment for a first time alcohol offense?
Treatment would mean months out of work, and I would be absolutely broke.
What’s your union saying? They may have some experience in this.
Every 121 pilot I’ve heard of had to go to treatment to keep/ get their medical back.
If I was you, I’d plan on having to take the most expensive route to overcome this obstacle..