JohnBurke

Examples?

While the FAA has pursued some questionable cases in the past (including the infamous Hoover revocation, and that of an airline pilot in Alaska who made public statements that he grieved for his dead son each time he took off and overflew the cemetery), I am not aware of any cases of ten year old minor offenses that have ever lead to a requirement for a psychiatric evaluation.

Do you have any cases in mind?

hogganica

I'm actually dealing with something similar to this myself right now. I had a pretty nasty run in with the law as a 16-year old (now pushing 21) but when I went to get my medical certificate they actually did request psychiatric evaluation.

They said it was regarding the part of the mental health requirements in that it's a disqualifying thing if you have "a personality disorder that is severe enough to have repeatedly manifested itself by overt acts," and right now we're arguing over it. We agree that it was a personality disorder, and that my juvenile record was caused by it -- but it was a singular incident.

So I guess it's not a ten year thing coming back to bite me in the ass, but I most definitely am having a five year old incident coming back on me, and I have psychiatrists who are willing to vouch and the government is still being stingy.

MedMia

I have a question. On my first medical i put what my past had been as far as misdermeanors and felonies. I had a posession charge over 10 years ago. On my last medical in '13 i put no for previous convictions by accedent....wasnt used to the new format. What should i do as far as my upcoming medical is concerned????.

rickair7777

I know somebody, but his issues were well into adulthood. Like I said, "typical" minor juvenile issues are not likely to trigger mental health concerns.

The FAA has latitude to decide which documented behavior patterns might be cause for concern. Substance abuse is case-in-point...if you get caught they'll assume a mental health issue, ie addiction.

gkg434

I have an update:
I found on the faa website that the ame may issue the certificate if the most recent arrest was over 5 years ago and the ame does not believe there is a substance abuse problem.

So I am hoping that the ame will be able to issue me without deferral based on my last arrest being over 5 years ago. I did experiment with drugs and alcohol when I was younger, but have been away from that lifestyle for 5 years now so I'm hoping the doctor will be able to see that (maybe I'll go to a lab for a drug/alcohol screening and bring it with me to show) and be able to issue my certificate without having to defer me resulting in a long process of seeing psychologists, etc.

Anyone with any experience with this, I would greatly appreciate your feedback/experiences!