Hi. Regional FO here with around 4k right seat time in an E145. I had my medical denied 2 years ago and I've been on a medical leave for the past 2.5 years.

I am hoping to have a special issuance in the next 6 months or so and want to move on to a major ASAP once I return if possible. I don't expect this to be a problem in the future in terms of keeping a 1st class medical, but I've heard rumblings that a denied medical and/or special issuance can cause trouble getting on at a major.

My record is totally clean otherwise. No check ride busts, no disciplinary action, master's degree in an unrelated field, extracurriculars and volunteer work, no traffic tickets, no DUIs etc. I think I would check all the boxes otherwise.

Does anyone have actual experience with medicals and the majors? I know they have to publicly say this isn't disqualifying, but I'm looking for a reality check. Is this going to be a problem? FWIW UAL would be my top choice but of course I'm open to possibilities.

Thanks

 

Your situation is not that unique. Many have been in your shoes. Check out the Pilot Health section on this forum. If you are able to successfully go through the process and get a Special Issuance First Class and/or SODA, you will be eligible for any major airline. I know several pilots that have been through this and are flying for a major. One guy I know only has one eye! If not already doing so, ALPA ( if applicable) can be a great resource for you.

It will all work out...

 

Today, you might be correct.

In the past many airlines had a policy of not hiring folks with an SI (SODA's were more acceptable), and their medical standards were much higher than the FAA's (body-fat, cholesterol, no history of serious illness/injury, etc). But due to lawsuits and changes in public opinion about privacy, the trend has been for airlines to get less invasive about your medical status, most just require a 1C although several will give an exam to verify that you meet 1C standards.

 

i do not see the reason you lost your medical? Most 'issues' can be resolved thru your ame and if necessary a HIMS-ame

 

I am out due to self reported depression. Never been treated before for it and it was triggered due to a difficult life situation. I was forced to apply for a medical (and get denied) because ALPA LTD insurance won't pay out certain parts of the benefit without a medical denial. If I had my way I wouldn't have even applied until I knew I was good to go.

UAL asks why you lost your medical on the app. Not sure about others. I have read on a lot of boards this kind of thing isn't a big deal anymore, but I would love to hear a few first person accounts of people who were denied, got their medical back, and were subsequently hired at a major.

I appreciate the help.

 

Imagine you get hired at a major and are involved in an accident. CNN finds out you were "depressed" just like the German Wings dude. I don't think a major airline's HR would want to even go near that potential problem. Sorry, but the public doesn't want pilots with mental issues piloting them around the sky.

 

Although self diagnosis is really not the way to go, I applaud you for your honesty. However, the FAA may believe that there is something else that may have precipitated the depression. A hidden factor if you will. IMO, self diagnosis as oppose to clinical diagnosis can be two-edged sword.

At any rate, hope things go in your favor. All the best.



atp

 

apply, ck depression, and your ame will defer to faa. they will want a psychiatric eval ... hopefully that will be it.

 

Does a SODA need to be disclosed on an application and/or interview or is that pretty much just to show to your AME for the exam?

 

stmt of demonstrated ability ... rare birds now (being replaced by Spec Issuances). yes need to be disclosed.