jg27

Here is the deal. I am 37 and have been a huge aviation buff for years. Have dreamed about getting my PPL for about 10 years now. I have a great job, kids, wife and am finally in a position where I can afford to pay for the lessons and when/if I am able to fly on my own pay for a rental and some gas 4 or 5 times a month.

My life took a turn for the weird a little over a year ago and my wife an I split up for about 6 months (married 10 years). Obviously a bit a a rough spot in my life but I felt we both handled it VERY well and maturely. However I like to keep my doctor in the loop on things and he recommended that I take an anti depressant and speak with someone. I was NOT a huge fan of either option but he explained that its so "normal" nowadays and was essentially taking proactive steps to stay healthy.

I took his advice and he put me on a few different meds over the past 11 months or so. I was not diagnoised bi-polar or anything like that. Both my GP and teh psych I saw said it was normal situational depression. My doctor has now lowered my dose and I will likely be off any scrip med entirely by later this month when I see him next. My life and marraige are on a great track feel honestly that going to the doctor was the responsible thing to do.

I read the Class 3 medical quals and it looks as though this may cause an issue when I go for my medical certification... but appears it may be able to go up for review.

Is it even worth me to put in the time in to get my PPL if I can't get at least my Class 3? This is a bit concerning as I and my GP both feel this was something that was just a rough spot in my life. I am seriously about as "normal and stable" as I would think anyone can be... and both doctors agree.

I do not ever see myself trying to work for an airline but I would like to be able to maybe fly at the local dropzone or maybe for my local CAP until as I have a couple of friends are pretty active pilots for them...

Did I totally screw myself? Does the FAA actually review this stuff and allow for waivers? Or should I just buy a copy of Microsoft Flitght Sim instead and call it good???

I am really hoping I might get some informed responses here. Thanks in advance for any answers I might receive for these questions


Best Wishes

rickair7777

You do not have as large a problem as you may think...

For any class of medical, active mental health issues are usually disqualifying and mental health medication is always disqualifying.

However...the key word here is "active". Once you have recovered and are off meds, you can get a medical (even a first class) in many situations depending on the nature of the diagnosis.

Situational depression is very common and so is the use SSRI meds. Assuming that your doc thinks you are recovered, you should be eligible for a medical once you are off meds for a long enough period. The minimum time off meds is 6 months, and I suspect in your case they will give you a third class at 6 months + 1 day.

You will need to get your mental health doc to write a letter explaining the problem (make sure it explains the situational nature) and the fact that you are now fine, and should be able to function as a pilot. Take the letter to the AME when you apply for the medical.

If you are sure that your doc will write a good letter with no reservations (and you have no other health issues), then you are probably safe to start flight training before the six months is up...you can fly with an instructor without a medical, but will need the medical to solo.

jg27

Thanks very much for the input - that does at least give me the go ahead to put the wheels in motion here. I do have Crones Disease but it is pretty much in remission and I have never had any surgery. I may look up a flight doctor nearby and pay him/her a visit once I have all the letters and documentation in hand that I will likely need.

Thanks again.

rickair7777

FYI, you will probably also need some documentation on the Crones.

jg27

I pretty much figured that - I plan to call my doc tomorrow to start getting all the apperwork in order. I am sorry to keep asking question but this info is a tad difficult to navigate... Is this the type of thing that will end up getting sent to FAA with a long wait or can the physician can determine eligibilty right there?

I am fully expecting a long wait - but I just want to know what I may/may not be in for. I absolutely refuse to withhold any info from the doctor but want to make sure I make as few trips there as needed - and don't screw myself in the process.

Generally what is the cost for this?? I take it that most insurance will not cover it... So many questions.

rickair7777

For a third class medical, the AME will usually charge $100 or less depending on your location. You can try to get insurance to cover it, but if you're not a professional, they may view it as non-mandatory.

For a cut-and-dry case of a previous and fully situational resolved situational depression, the AME may be able to call the FAA and get a verbal OK on the spot. Otherwsie it would probably take a few weeks.

Since you have an additional medical issue, I'm not sure if the FAA will need to look into that.

If you were a professional pilot (or a wannabe) I would suggest using an aviation medical consulting service BEFORE you go to the AME. However, if you just want to be a Private Pilot, it's probably cheaper to just deal with the AME even if it takes longer.

FYI, here's one consulting service: http://www.aviationmedicine.com/