PTSD and FAA Medical
09-12-2013, 09:52 AM
#1
On Reserve
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Joined APC: Apr 2007
Position: UH60L C/E
Posts: 19
PTSD and FAA Medical
I recently discovered that the Post 9/11 GI Bill will cover 100 percent of flight training at an in state school if it is part of a degree program. I have found such a program and have been quite excited until I started researching the FAA Medical process. There isn't a ton of information available on PTSD but what is available seems rather negative and several years old.
My situation, about 4 years ago I was going through some rough times and decided to seek some help at the VA. I ended up seeing both a psychiatrist and psychologist and was diagnosed with PTSD. I was prescribed Citalopram, which is on the FAA's approved list for SSRI's. I have been taking that with great success since.
I cannot determine if taking SSRI's for PTSD can be approved or if it is only allowable for depression. If I have to come off the Citalopram and I react well to being off it I cannot determine how long I must be off of it before applying, I see reference to being off 60 days but again that may be only for depression. Are there any veterans or even not vet's who have had to deal with a situation like mine? This is rather overwhelming to me and my insurance does not cover FAA Medical Exams so I am looking for any advice/suggestions before spending what little disposable money I have. Thanks.
My situation, about 4 years ago I was going through some rough times and decided to seek some help at the VA. I ended up seeing both a psychiatrist and psychologist and was diagnosed with PTSD. I was prescribed Citalopram, which is on the FAA's approved list for SSRI's. I have been taking that with great success since.
I cannot determine if taking SSRI's for PTSD can be approved or if it is only allowable for depression. If I have to come off the Citalopram and I react well to being off it I cannot determine how long I must be off of it before applying, I see reference to being off 60 days but again that may be only for depression. Are there any veterans or even not vet's who have had to deal with a situation like mine? This is rather overwhelming to me and my insurance does not cover FAA Medical Exams so I am looking for any advice/suggestions before spending what little disposable money I have. Thanks.
09-12-2013, 04:21 PM
#2
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Mar 2013
Posts: 215
I can recommend you join the AOPA and use their medical services.
Medical - Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association
They will not only give you the answers you need, but they will assist you in doing what you can to make sure you pass your medical.
Medical - Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association
They will not only give you the answers you need, but they will assist you in doing what you can to make sure you pass your medical.
09-12-2013, 05:28 PM
#4
Chief Jeppesen Updater
Joined APC: Oct 2005
Position: Executive Transport Driver
Posts: 3,080
I HIGHLY recommend that you give Dr. Bruce Chien a call. I use him personally for my own medicals.
He's an Airline Transport Pilot rated AME that will talk to you (anonymously if you'd like) about your hurdles PRIOR to ever entering anything into the system. When the time comes, if you're able to meet him, he can help walk you through the process and issue your medical. His office is in Central Illinois.
Contact info here:
Bruce B Chien CFIA-I-MEI-ATP - Home
He's an Airline Transport Pilot rated AME that will talk to you (anonymously if you'd like) about your hurdles PRIOR to ever entering anything into the system. When the time comes, if you're able to meet him, he can help walk you through the process and issue your medical. His office is in Central Illinois.
Contact info here:
Bruce B Chien CFIA-I-MEI-ATP - Home
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