Bipolar disorder
02-19-2009, 02:09 PM
#4
APC's Hired Help
Joined APC: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,231
According to the regs, it's disqualifying for all classes....
Guide for Aviation Medical Examiners<br>Application Process for Medical Certification
Guide for Aviation Medical Examiners<br>Application Process for Medical Certification
02-19-2009, 04:03 PM
#6
Prime Minister/Moderator
Joined APC: Jan 2006
Position: Engines Turn Or People Swim
Posts: 39,275
Originally Posted by New B
How about a class 2 and 3?
If your condition is active, I doubt you would be able to get even a third class. If you require medications, it is a definite no-go.
If you have a very mild case, I suppose it is possible that you could get a waiver for a third class. Might be worth checking into if you really want to fly, but don't get your hopes up.
If you have a history of that disorder, but are currently not affected, you may well be able to get a medical if the prognosis for recurrence is favorable. You might even be able to get a first class.
Good Luck
06-28-2017, 09:00 AM
#7
New Hire
Joined APC: Feb 2015
Posts: 4
Originally Posted by rickair7777
The standards for a second are essentially the same as for a first.
If your condition is active, I doubt you would be able to get even a third class. If you require medications, it is a definite no-go.
If you have a very mild case, I suppose it is possible that you could get a waiver for a third class. Might be worth checking into if you really want to fly, but don't get your hopes up.
If you have a history of that disorder, but are currently not affected, you may well be able to get a medical if the prognosis for recurrence is favorable. You might even be able to get a first class.
Good Luck
If your condition is active, I doubt you would be able to get even a third class. If you require medications, it is a definite no-go.
If you have a very mild case, I suppose it is possible that you could get a waiver for a third class. Might be worth checking into if you really want to fly, but don't get your hopes up.
If you have a history of that disorder, but are currently not affected, you may well be able to get a medical if the prognosis for recurrence is favorable. You might even be able to get a first class.
Good Luck
06-29-2017, 06:11 AM
#8
Just Plane Stupid
Joined APC: Feb 2006
Position: Captain
Posts: 458
Originally Posted by pilot83
Where are you getting the information from? I'm an ATP with a very mild case of Bipolar, and I'm trying to get a 1st, 2nd, or 3rd class medical and I don't see a means of getting one.
06-29-2017, 09:28 AM
#9
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Sep 2013
Posts: 840
Excerpt from an AOPA article:
Bipolar disorder, which is also known as manic-depressive illness, is a disorder that causes shifts in mood, energy, and activity levels. These shifts in mood are much worse than the occasional “blues” we all go through on occasion. This condition can be treated, but once again, the medications used are unacceptable to the FAA. It is rare for an individual who is diagnosed with this condition to gain medical certification. On occasion an airman is incorrectly diagnosed with bipolar disorder and then must spend much effort and money to convince the FAA that the diagnosis was incorrect.
Bipolar disorder, which is also known as manic-depressive illness, is a disorder that causes shifts in mood, energy, and activity levels. These shifts in mood are much worse than the occasional “blues” we all go through on occasion. This condition can be treated, but once again, the medications used are unacceptable to the FAA. It is rare for an individual who is diagnosed with this condition to gain medical certification. On occasion an airman is incorrectly diagnosed with bipolar disorder and then must spend much effort and money to convince the FAA that the diagnosis was incorrect.
06-30-2017, 10:38 AM
#10
Prime Minister/Moderator
Joined APC: Jan 2006
Position: Engines Turn Or People Swim
Posts: 39,275
Originally Posted by pilot83
Where are you getting the information from? I'm an ATP with a very mild case of Bipolar, and I'm trying to get a 1st, 2nd, or 3rd class medical and I don't see a means of getting one.
I have heard anecdotally of pilots getting waivers for 3C with conditions which would be no-go for higher classes.
Since the original post the FAA has allowed a very small number of pilots to get medicals with depression disorders treated by certain meds. Not sure specifically if that could apply to bipolar. I would contact on aviation medicine consultant before you talk to the FAA/AME.
