Natca

I agree, avoid flying at a University, it becomes VERY expensive (go figure we thought aviation was a pocket burner already) and the training is very slow

FlyJSH

I have a special issuance. Yes, depending on the company it can make a difference.

I was nearly sent home from one regional airline interview because the two interviewers (both pilots) had never SEEN a SI before. One of them took my medical to an HR person who said, "Yeah, no problem. We have several pilots with those."

Part 135 and corporate companies seem far less concerned. Maybe because a higher percentage have SIs or its the fact I have a first class for a job that requires a second class.

The SI is a strike, but with the application process changing at many airlines (computerized applications and resumes), often the first time the company will see your medical will be at the interview. Hopefully at that point, you will be able to explain what your medical means well enough to move on.

Good luck
j

sulkair

Hey rickair are you sure that its still like this even today? I'm going through getting an SI right now, and from the research i've done, it doesn't seem to be a big deal.

The flight surgeon over at the Jetcareers forum said (I'm paraphrasing) that if the FAA deems you fit with a Medical even if its an SI an employer could be seen as discriminating if they held it against you because of an SI. I take it you don't agree with that?

Just asking - cause now you've got me a little worried.

rickair7777

The way I described it is certainly the way it has been in the past. Airlines have historically pushed the boundaries of legality with employment screening issues...and they usually get away with it, winning the lawsuits by playing the "public safety" card to a jury of your "peers".

Things have been improving lately in some respects...20/100 vision is no longer required by most airlines, and many airlines do not even bother conducting a medical exam.

The problem with an SI is that it generally means you have a condition which could change quickly, rendering you unfit to fly. An employer would be reluctant to invest their training dollars in someone who might be more likely to lose their medical, and I'm not sure that is discrimination in the case of pilot medicals. It is probably not protected under the ADA...the airlines already fought that battle and won. Most people who are fit enough to fly are too fit to qualify as disabled per the ADA.

I think things will only become more liberal going forward (unless there is a smoking hole accident involving a pilot with an SI), but I can't sya for sure whether it might impact your career...that depends on where and when you apply for a job.

But it would be a concern if I were in your shoes...I don't know what the condition is of if it's likely to worsen, but I would probably want to have a backup plan in case aviation doesn't work out. Unfortunately, the employers most likely to overlook things like this are the usually the ones you are least likely to want to work for.

atpwannabe

I'm just about to finish up the criteria that the FAA set for me to possibly be issued a SI. I was told by the Medical Appeals office that I needed to get with the doctors that conducted my HIMS eval last year and see where they stand in terms of finding me eligible at this point in time. If issued, my hope is that by the time I finish with flight training and instructing that I will have an unrestricted medical.



atp

FlyerJosh

FYI- from Virtual Flight Surgeons:
Virtual Flight Surgeons Inc. -- Your One Source for FAA Medical Certification Waiver Assistance!

Medication Class — Attention Deficit Disorder Medications

Current FAA policy does not allow persons who use any medications for ADD or ADHD to hold an airman medical certificates.

The FAA now has a protocol for evaluating pilots with Attention Deficit Disorder prior to issuing a waiver. Some individuals using medication have been waivered after neurocognitive testing shows adequate performance at least 72 hours off the medication. If the results of this testing is favorable, the pilot may be cleared to fly if no longer taking medications. Individuals with a reliable childhood diagnosis of ADHD may have to wait 90 days after stopping medication to take the required testing.

Some of the medications used for ADHD will cause a positive drug test in DOT drug testing programs. Strattera has a warning regarding possible liver damage.

VFS can assist with in coordinating required psychological testing and waiver petitions..




Medications Within Class:

Strattera (atomoxetine) Ritalin (methylphenidate) , Adderall (dextroamphetamine)