Pilots and ADHD

Posted by Sumdumdad@reddit | flying | View on Reddit | 16 comments

Time for a mini rant! I was bummed to learn that because I have ADHD and have been taking medication for 30+ years, I cannot become a pilot... Ain't that some shit? I have a CDL with hazmat and haul a myriad of incredibly dangerous products, in immense quantities through heavily populated areas while being medicated. But, heaven forbid I want to fly a plane! How is it that they can even restrict someone with a high functioning disability from flying? Discrimination is okay for the FAA?

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16 Comments

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Forsaken_Cost4608@reddit

This was a while back, but wanted to ask, are you not able to function without your ADHD medications? Because if you can, you still have a chance of becoming a pilot. Albeit, it will require patience and money.

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Negative_Swan_9459@reddit

The FAA aeromedical system is a mess but the answer is not opening the gates wide open. I don’t want someone sitting next to me on commonly abused pills needed to focus. Flying an airplane, especially one filled with a few hundred passengers, is not driving a truck…that’s why the rules are different.

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49Flyer@reddit

It's not discrimination (at least not illegal discrimination) if the condition or trait is relevant to the job. With that being said the FAA's medical standards are based almost entirely on non-science and I completely sympathize with you. The dirty secret of this industry is that a large number of pilots are flying around with undiagnosed and untreated conditions - which they may not even know they have - because just going to the doctor for a check-up can be a career-ender.

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Unknown-Lemur-3743@reddit

The FAA medical system is a train wreck. That being said, you can probably understand why attention deficit is problematic for pilots. Look at getting a sport pilot license or glider rating AFTER you've consulted your physician, who is 100% confident that you are not at any more risk than other pilots.

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aDustyHusky@reddit

I think you underestimate the number of pilots that have undiagnosed or not medicated ADHD. That's said completely agree the FAA medical system is a train wreck.

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Unknown-Lemur-3743@reddit

I would expect there's a correlation between the severity of someone's ADHD and whether or not they're medicated/diagnosed, but that's a good point.

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MattDamonsTaco@reddit

FAA makes the rules, so, yeah, they can suck if they don’t work for you. If you haven’t been denied a medical, you can still fly sport pilot, yeah? Gliders, too, I think.

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Sumdumdad@reddit (OP)

Yea, there are still things I can fly. But, my plan was to change careers to a commercial pilot. Which isn't going to happen now. It just doesn't make sense that I am able to haul hazmat that can cause casualties on a massive scale if not transported with the utmost caution, yet flying a plane is a bridge too far. It's a crock, if you ask me.

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LookoutBel0w@reddit

Flying planes is much riskier than driving a truck. You can pull over in a truck. Can’t pull over a plane

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phliar@reddit

In the US you can fly gliders even if you've been denied a medical. You self-certify that you have no condition that will interfere with the safe operation of the glider.

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Mike__O@reddit

Discrimination on the basis of disability is completely legal if that disability prevents the person from completing a critical part of the job. For example, a blind person can be denied a job as a truck driver and not be in violation of the ADA or other anti-discrimination laws. The FAA considers ADHD to be a disqualifying condition. Whether you agree or not is irrelevant.

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ElPayador@reddit

SPL 😊

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RaiseTheDed@reddit

Well, ADHD was only recognized as a disorder in 1968, and the FAA is still stuck in the 1950s.... We don't even know what causes ADHD, only speculation on it being genetic. Unfortunately the FAA will drag it's feet like everything it does.

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OmarsBulge@reddit

Following.

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rFlyingTower@reddit

This is a copy of the original post body for posterity: --- Time for a mini rant! I was bummed to learn that because I have ADHD and have been taking medication for 30+ years, I cannot become a pilot... Ain't that some shit? I have a CDL with hazmat and haul a myriad of incredibly dangerous products, in immense quantities through heavily populated areas while being medicated. But, heaven forbid I want to fly a plane! How is it that they can even restrict someone with a high functioning disability from flying? Discrimination is okay for the FAA? --- This comment was made by a [bot](https://github.com/kdknigga/rflying_tower_bot). If you have any questions, please [contact the mods of this subreddit](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose?to=/r/flying).

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AutoModerator@reddit

Hi, I'm a bot and it looks like you're asking a question about medical issues: ADHD. Medicals can be confusing and even scary, we get it. Unfortunately, the medical process is very complex with many variables. It's too complex, in fact, for any of us to be able to offer you any specific help or advice. We strongly suggest you discuss your concerns with a qualified aviation medical examiner before you actually submit to an official examination, as a hiccup in your medical process can close doors for you in the future. Your [local AME](https://www.faa.gov/pilots/amelocator/) may be able to provide a consultation. Other places that may provide aeromedical advice include: [AOPA](https://www.aopa.org/go-fly/medical-resources), [EAA](https://www.eaa.org/eaa/pilots/pilot-resources/pilot-medical-resources/eaa-aeromedical-advisory-program), [the Mayo Clinic](https://clearapproach.mayoclinic.org/), and [Aviation Medicine Advisory Service](https://www.aviationmedicine.com/). For reference, [here is a link to the FAA's Synopsis of Medical Standards](https://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/avs/offices/aam/ame/guide/standards/) and for more in-depth information [here is a link to the FAA's Guide for Aviation Medical Examiners](https://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/avs/offices/aam/ame/guide/). Also, feel free to browse [our collection of past medical write-ups and questions in our FAQ](https://www.reddit.com/r/flying/wiki/index). Finally, we suggest you read the instructions on the medical application very closely. Do not volunteer information that isn't asked for, but also do not lie. Some people may urge you to omit pertinent information, or even outright lie, on your medical application in order to avoid added hassle and expense in obtaining a medical certificate. Know that [making false statements on your medical application is a federal crime](https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/18/1001) and that people [have been successfully prosecuted for it](https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndca/pr/california-aviator-convicted-making-false-statements). But for heaven's sake, don't tell the FAA any more than you absolutely have to. If you're not in the United States, the above advice is still generally correct. Just substitute the FAA with your local aviation authority. Good luck! *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/flying) if you have any questions or concerns.*