Considering pilot career
 

Hello. I was hoping for some guidance. I am 24 years old, currently finishing my business degree. I have a good job, however I am ready for a career change. I have had several pilots as well as friends in aviation school who have been trying to persuade me into this career, as theres “no better time” is what I’m told. I just started the process to get my PLL. Just from flying with people, I’m very fascinated by everything. I’m in love with it already and very excited to continue it. This being said, I have a few things that I’m worried about as far as considering moving on to making this as my career. Bare with me as it might take a lot to explain myself.

First things first, my issue is I am prescribed to adderall. I never take it anymore. I’m fully functionable, working more than full time and going to college online full time. I believe I was misdiagnosed. I’m going in to the doctor in a few weeks to get off this medication and possibly have tests done to prove I don’t have ADD.

Second problem, is when I was 18, I was caught with some narcotic pills on me that I wasn’t prescribed to. I could sit here and point fingers, but it all looks the same on paper. They shouldn’t have been on me, and it’s the biggest mistake I have and will ever make. I was charged with 5th degree felony Posession of a controlled substance. I got it expunged (which I understand doesn’t matter in the aviation world as it’s federal). Other than this, my record is clean besides One speeding ticket and one seatbelt ticket.

Will airlines not consider me if I Pursue this? Or will enough time be under my belt to show how good of a person I actually am and have a shot at working for a major airline one day? I’m hoping to hear from pilots, recruiters, HR, etc. people who know or if anyone knows anyone in a similar situation as me where it’s worked out for them or hasn’t worked out, that’d be great to hear as well.

Thank you

Your biggest issue will be with your adderall.

That’s a non-starter as far as the FAA is concerned. It’s likely going to be an uphill battle as far as getting that removed from your records.

I’d contact AOPA and talk to their medical specialists.

As far as the rest... again. An uphill battle probably. But not insurmountable.

Will Delta hire you? Probably not.

But there are plenty of others that I think will.

Again, AOPA. Reach out to their legal team and get advice. You said the drug charge was expunged, so that’s good. How good is something you’ll need a lawyer to determine.

But first and foremost, the ADD and the adderall. That’s your biggest hurdle.

Good luck.

Thank you for the honest feedback, gringo. I’ll contact them and keep updating on here.

Just work on getting a first class medical and take it from there...what’s done is done, and there’s no going back to change things. If you really want to be an airline pilot, just pursue it and take things one step at a time until you get where you want to be at, best of luck.

How long have you been off the Adderol?
Did you consult a Dr before you quit or did you decide this on your own?
That’s a giant red flag to me.
Lotsa people in the news over the last 10 years that decided by themselves they didn’t need medication anymore.
Same as you need an MD to get you on medication you’ll need one to officially take you off medication and the FAA clock will start on that day and not a day sooner.
1 year or 2 or 5-10 whatever their guidelines state.

I was given the adderall as “take when needed” medication. I quit taking it 4 months ago and just had one of the best semesters in college I’ve had, all while working full time. I truly believe I was misdiagnosed and do not need this medication. Can anyone answer if the FAA would give me a first class medical if I proved my don’t have the condition through testing? I’m calling the AOPA Monday as well as seeing my doctor to talk about discontinuing the medication.

Yes you can get over this if you really don't need meds and the diagnosis was marginal to begin with, but it won't be quick or easy.

Or necessarily cheap.

But it is certainly doable.

Thanks for that. The diagnosis was marginal, definitely. I also have proved to myself I don’t need it. Willing to take any test to get off of it.