Originally Posted by sealandair (Post 3495480)

That is one hell of a strategy if I ever heard one, and now I know about paid disability at some airlines. By the way, you said in a previous post that if I didn't need a HIMS AME, it might be good to "steer clear". Could you elaborate on why this is true? The regs are complicated and I'm still digging, but it's looking like I might HAVE to see one. My guess is the FAA feels that either depression and substance abuse are inextricably linked (they aren't), or they're tired of incomplete applications they know they'll have to reject based on insufficient documentation, and a HIMS doc already knows the drill. There surely must be an AME out there who's worked with depression and the FAA, finding one might be the tough part.

Originally Posted by rickair7777 (Post 3495508)

Some in the pilot-addict community feel that the HIMS provider enterprise takes advantage of them to keep milking them for costly services. They allege that HIMS providers wield a lot of power over pilots' careers, and that some arbitrarily abuse that power. No personal experience, but that's the rumor.

If the FAA requires it, then you need to, but I'd try to get some info about who you work with.

Again, I'd recommend professional consulting services BEFORE you engage the FAA or any affiliates. You can really step on your crank if you try to wing it.

Originally Posted by Milk Man (Post 3495398)

My nephew was interested in flying. Long story short he slef admitted himself in a hospital for suicide. Next day he was released. Basically felt the need for hell from family which he wasnt receiving. Is this an end all be all for getting a First Class Medical? Anyone have experience with this?

Originally Posted by Milk Man (Post 3495398)

My nephew was interested in flying. Long story short he slef admitted himself in a hospital for suicide. Next day he was released. Basically felt the need for hell from family which he wasnt receiving. Is this an end all be all for getting a First Class Medical? Anyone have experience with this?

Originally Posted by sealandair (Post 3495549)

I hear some of their "complex" case testimonies say $2000 or more, but I'm optimistic mine isn't among the most serious cases they get. Even so $1k-$2k isn't horribly expensive in this day and age, for a shot at what regionals are paying now. I even have enough time left I might get to a legacy and retire as F/O (I could care less), providing the economy and hiring are still good then.

Originally Posted by rickair7777 (Post 3495926)

I'd guess if that if it only costs $1-2K you're pretty lucky.

Originally Posted by sealandair (Post 3495739)

Wait, so he self-admitted for an actual suicide attempt or suicidal behavior, or he did it as a plea with his family? If he was actually suicidal and they released him the next day with no report, I think someone screwed up or he was never give a full psychological work-up. Exception might be they did discharge him with a diagnosis of something, but any chance he could have *lost* or *forgot* about it? It would still be in his treating physician's medical database.

Originally Posted by Milk Man (Post 3496032)

It was within past couple months. Let me ask him to get exact details. Maybe that will be more helpful to you to give me better advice. Thanks

Originally Posted by rickair7777 (Post 3496048)

If your relative is serious, he should spend the money on a consulting service to see where he stands. The devil will most certainly be in the detailed medical reports.

Originally Posted by Milk Man (Post 3496032)

It was within past couple months. Let me ask him to get exact details. Maybe that will be more helpful to you to give me better advice. Thanks