An SI is a bad thing...usually it allows a professional pilot to remain employed at his current job. But it is likely to be a hindrance to getting hired in the first place. Also consider the fact that a professional pilot will normally need to work for several (or more) employers, including two airlines before reaching his "career destination"...you will have to fight this battle again and again every step of the way. I have seen major airlines post a requirement that applicants hold a "clean" first class medical with no SI's or restrictions other than corrective lenses.


That said, ADD is probably about the best you could hope for as far as SI's go. I think most folks understand that ADD may have been over-diagnosed over the last 15-20 years, and some normal but energetic kids might have been labelled.

Also in your favor is the fact that the recent trend has been for airlines to relax their medical requirements...many no longer do an exam, but simply take your FAA medical at face value. But some of the more desirable airlines tend to be pickier.

Your decision is tough. I would carefully consider some things...

- If you find yourself in an aviation dead-end, would you be willing (and able) to switch careers back to a desk job? Realize it might take ten years to figure out if this issue is going to haunt you.
- Are you currently affected by ADD? How severe was your condition? If there is any indication that you might require on-going treatment or drugs, that would be bad.
- Assuming that you are not currently afflicted, can you attempt to get the SI removed eventually? You would have to research this with the FAA and possibly an aviation medicine consultant.
- If you think you might have been over-diagnosed, could you get re-evaluated and get the diagnosis "reversed"?

Good Luck

Lori, what do you know about recent trends with SI medicals?