How will a GAD and MDD diagnosis affect my commercial airline pilot aspirations?

Posted by machiahelli@reddit | flying | View on Reddit | 3 comments

I was about ready to go book an exam with an AME for my Class 1 medical (haven’t started flight school) when I read through some posts on this sub recommending that I pull my records before I do it.

Well when I was 19 (21 now) apparently I was diagnosed with GAD and MDD. I wasn’t clinically depressed then and definitely am not now. I was never explicitly told this and was never prescribed any controlled medications (was prescribed magnesium glycinate).

I’m based in the US, how will this affect my career prospects and will I even be able to get my medical? Does my career end before it starts?

I’ve looked at other posts related to this topic but none of them seem to be as recent as my event (all posts I’ve read happened to OP 5-10+ years ago)

Thank you for any insight.

[-]

ltcterry@reddit

See an AME for a consultation not a medical.

If it’s going to be deferred, expensive, or time consuming consider:

Before making a huge effort to get a medical, know there’s an 80% dropout rate. Do Sport w/o a medical. This gives you time to work on the AME’s requirements. If you actually finish and it looks like a medical is possible then look into it. Only then. Then finish the few missing requirements for Private.

How were you diagnosed with these issues but were “never clinically diagnosed?” Doesn’t make sense.

Find an AME who has dealt with this before.

[-]

rFlyingTower@reddit

This is a copy of the original post body for posterity:

I’m based in the US, how will this affect my career prospects and will I even be able to get my medical? Does my career end before it starts?

I’ve looked at other posts related to this topic but none of them seem to be as recent as my event (all posts I’ve read happened to OP 5-10+ years ago)

Thank you for any insight.

Please downvote this comment until it collapses.

Questions about this comment? Please see this wiki post before contacting the mods.

I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. If you have any questions, please contact the mods of this subreddit.

[-]

AutoModerator@reddit

Hi, I'm a bot and it looks like you're asking a question about medical issues: diagnosed.

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 may be able to provide a consultation. Other places that may provide aeromedical advice include: AOPA, EAA, the Mayo Clinic, and Aviation Medicine Advisory Service.

For reference, here is a link to the FAA's Synopsis of Medical Standards and for more in-depth information here is a link to the FAA's Guide for Aviation Medical Examiners.

Also, feel free to browse our collection of past medical write-ups and questions in our FAQ.

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 and that people have been successfully prosecuted for it. 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 if you have any questions or concerns.