I’m a 26-year-old software engineer from Greece who is planning a career change to aviation and would like to start flight training after completing my military service (in about 7 months). I have mild motor tics (facial and some limb movements) that do not affect daily activities — I can drive, work, and perform precise tasks normally. I have no vocal tics, and my symptoms are currently stable. I’m taking sertraline (Zoloft) 50 mg under psychiatric supervision for mild anxiety and to help manage the tics. I understand that to start commercial flight training in Europe, I’ll need an EASA Class 1 medical certificate. I’ve read that both neurological and psychiatric conditions are assessed closely, and I’d like to plan ahead responsibly before investing in training. My questions are: 1. How are mild motor tics (without functional impairment) generally evaluated during an EASA Class 1 medical? 2. Would current treatment with an SSRI like sertraline automatically disqualify me, or could it still be accepted if I’m stable for a certain period? 3. Would it be advisable to get a preliminary evaluation from a neurologist and psychiatrist before visiting an AME (Aviation Medical Examiner), and what kind of documentation should I prepare? 4. Are there any known paths or precedents for applicants in similar circumstances who were ultimately certified? I’m not asking for personal medical advice — I’m mainly looking for guidance from others who have experience with the EASA medical certification process or professional AMEs who can explain how such cases are usually handled. Location: Greece / EUAge: 26Current profession: Software engineerGoal: Transition to commercial pilot training in the next 1–2 years

 

Most of us here are familiar with US FAA rules, not EASA. You might ask on pprune.org, which is more euro oriented.

In the US, the tics would probably be fine, but the anxiety and SSRI use would require special certification consideration, and would not be quick or inexpensive.