Hey all,

I was wondering if anyone might have the answer to this question.

I was declined a 3rd Class for being a private pilot back in 2011 because I was on Citalopram for anxiety.

Current day, I have been off the medication for 2.5 years now, no other medications since then. Basically, it was because of lifestyle choices (namely, a high maintenance girlfriend + type of job I was working.) I have had regular visits to my GP since then for regular issues (colds, allergies, etc), with no need to even consider going back on any medications since the above have been eliminated from my life.

My question: Since I have been off these medications for this stretch of time, can an AME issue a certificate on their own since I have been off them, or will I still be deferred to a HIMS since I still have a history of having been on it, or what kind of road am I looking at in the future? Thanks!

ame will defer to FAA ... likely they will want further explanation but doubtful a full HIMS eval!

It will get deferred, much like depression medication. I had a bud in school way back when who was off depression meds for like 2-3 years and tried to get the same and it got denied.

Took about a year of constant mailings and doctor visits before they finally gave him the clearance to get a third class. It really depends on the AME you go to and the route that OKC takes. They have their "guidance" but I still see things done differently on separate occasions.

Man...if truer words were never spoken. This is the exact same process that's used for those us who have had alcohol &/or drug abuse issues. I mean the exact same process.

Good luck to you and all the best.



atp

Given the situation you described, you should be able to get a 1C if you want. You'll need all of the documentation related to the condition, treatment, and clinical visits. As others have said, good chance this will be deferred and they may want you to get a letter from a practitioner stating that you're good.

Call several local AMEs and ask them about this, then work with the one who sounds most willing to deal with it. This should NOT be a big deal.

Also if you think there's the slightest chance you'll ever fly professionally, get a first class medical now. Otherwise if you try to upgrade from 3C to 1C later you might have to jump through all the same hoops again.

The history itself is not grounds for denial in your case, they just need to make sure it's in the past.