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