sealandair

Hey pilots,

So I was diagnosed with Major Moderate Depression in 2019 (I guess there's a major severe subtype), and it took awhile to get the right medication, which I found out is typical for depression... you have to find the Rx that works for you and the right dosage that works. My doctor started me on Wellbutrin, which is not on the FAAs approved list, but it didn't work for me anyway and I only took it for about 10 days before the doc switched me to Prozac (fluoxetine). That started to work but after 6 months it kind of pooped out, which again is common, and my doc switched me to Zoloft (sertraline). That did the trick and after a few months my mood adjusted fine. (Also, both Prozac and Zoloft are approved by FAA). I grounded myself and remained unemployed for about 3-1/2 years, but I was lucky and had financial resources. No suicide attempt, no DUI, no drugs either... I also started working out and had many sessions with a great clinical psychologist, who thinks I may be ready to ditch the anti-depressants after another month or so of observation.


So I'm wondering what happens if I apply for a FCM and NOT taking meds anymore. Do I still need to see a HIMS ame? I still have to disclose all my past doctor visits and meds taken previously, but does that still warrant an SI? Also will 3-1/2 years of unemployment and depression kill my chances at a regional, if I and my doc can prove to them I've made a full recovery? I have about 1470 TT, 100 MEL, 50 turbine, and come from 135 background. Plus 4 year degree.


Thanks to anyone who might be able to help.


r

rickair7777

Probably not. For past depression, you'll probably just need a statement from a shrink. You'll also need some period of time off meds (3-6 months or something like that IIRC).

If there was a diagnosed alcohol addiction somewhere in there, then I can't really answer how that would complicate things but it will be complicated.


I'm pretty sure it does not require an SI for *past* depression and med use, as long as you have a current clean bill of health, are expected to remain stable, and have met the waiting period off meds.


Regionals won't care at all. They don't do medical exams and won't ask anything about your health other than to see your 1C. They also won't care if it's an SI. The legal climate has changed, the airlines really can't get into your health business anymore, they just leave that up to the FAA. The worst they can do is give you an FAA 1C exam to verify that you meet the standards, but most majors won't even bother.

They may ask about the unemployment period, but you could simply say that you had some health issues which you wanted to focus on, and you were fortunate enough to be in the financial position to take time off. Then zip it, they can't ask for details about that. Also they literally cannot afford to turn anyone away who is qualified right now.

And definitely stick with exercise... both cardio and strength/functional are important but cardio is the biggy for mental well being. Shoot for 45-60 minutes most days of the week.

Also healthy diet and little to no booze.

Excargodog

You’ll need an SI.

METO Guido

Which is a primary reason people:

1. Don't seek treatment
2. Self-medicate
3. Fail to report

sealandair

Thanks for the encouragement, I noticed you're a regular around here, is it ok to pm you? And you're absolutely right about the exercise... I'm finding out it's possibly THE most important keystone habit a person can develop.

Excargodog

None of which changes the reality that it will be required.

JohnBurke

An AME will not be able to issue the medical; it will need to go to Oklahoma City, and requires a thorough evaluation by a health professional. While certain medications may be acceptable to the Administrator, the concern is ALWAYS the underlying condition for which the medication is prescribed. The medication itself represents a separate concern.

With most medications of concern, a period of 12 months away from the medication is required. In the case of certain medications allowed, as indicated by the original poster, a period of 12 months use, showing no adverse effects, is required. If the medication is ended, expect a similar time frame off the medication to establish a track record of effects and behavior without the meds.

This is an issue that you'll certainly want to navigate with assistance, from a qualified service with experience. It may be a lengthy process.

Flight experience, certification, and education/degree will have no bearing on the process, or outcome.

sealandair

Where did you find that table? It's one I haven't come across yet. I've been reading through 67.401 and looking at the FAAs guide for AMEs though. There's also a SODA listed in 67.401, and if my condition is "static", I wonder if I'd be eligible for one of those. It really doesn't matter in the long run, since SI or not it shouldn't be a big hurdle to getting hired as rickair mentions. Might take the FAA 2-3 months to pick up a deferred 1C application, but if I do apply to the regionals I'm looking at least 6 months out so I can study up and get current, so that should be plenty of time to get the paperwork going. What I'm interested in is how much ADDITIONAL time, if any, it takes to grant an SI, vs a SODA, vs a regular approval if they're satisfied with me and my doc's paperwork. And if a HIMS Ame were required plus additional psych testing, what I might be looking at in additional costs. I bring up HIMS because the FAA puts depression in the same category of illnesses as substance dependence, and if I understand the regs right, pilots who fly while currently taking SSRIs have to see a HIMS Ame, even if they don't touch booze or drugs.

sealandair

But the FAA has updated its regulations with certain diseases, depression being one of them, and they will allow pilots to fly even if they currently take anti-depressants. Obviously, the list of approved meds is very short, the pilot needs an SI or SODA, and it's a case by case scenario. Are you saying that if I were to stop the meds due to recovery, the FAA would want to see 12 months time off those meds?

METO Guido

Per your attachment. Thank you for reporting it Col.