Can I become a pilot in the U.S. if I was in the psych ward for a week at 16?
Posted by evanbobeven@reddit | flying | View on Reddit | 11 comments
Always been interested in flying, everything about it excites me. Never really considered actually flying a plane until recently, but when I looked into what it takes to get a pilot license I realized how stringent the FAA is on mental health. Granted, it makes sense, these are flying death machines that can do serious damage if the wrong person gets in one, but I don't like having a few shitty months when I was a teenager disqualify me from doing something that I might have a passion for. Will this become a serious issue if I pursue getting a license? Should I even attempt to sign up for classes with this on my record? Any advice is appreciated.
altytwo_jennifer@reddit
If you want to fly as a hobby, you can look at going for a sport certificate. Just never go for a FAA medical, because if you apply for one and don’t have it issued then the drivers license medical standard no longer applies. So long as you can honestly say that you’re currently fit to fly safely then having the drivers license is enough to be legal as a sport pilot.
TxAggieMike@reddit
Do some goggle research on “suicidal ideation”
You will see that it will be near impossible to obtain a medical certificate. The FAA is very picky about individuals who have attempted suicide.
A very slim chance does exist that you could win, but you’re in for a very long and very expensive path to demonstrate to the FAA that you’re healthy enough to hold the certification given your declared past.
Look up Andreas Lubitz and Germanwings Flight 9525
EliteEthos@reddit
“…flying death machines…”
You have a “passion” for those?
You can still like aviation without being a pilot… because you won’t be.
evanbobeven@reddit (OP)
I meant it in the same way Bruce Springsteen calls cars "suicide machines", they are engines strapped to cabins, and about a thousand things can go wrong and result in death. Not that they are designed to kill everyone who looks at one. Also, you sound like a bit of a dick, maybe get that checked out.
TxAggieMike@reddit
Careful sir… Rule 7 applies to you as much as anyone else.
thundergun67@reddit
Agree hes being a dick about it, don’t disagree with his point that you wont be able to get a medical tho
evanbobeven@reddit (OP)
Yeah obv, just seems like he saw an opportunity to be an asshole and took it, I already felt bad enough about this lol.
EliteEthos@reddit
I’m a dick for telling you you’re not going to be a pilot?
Ok bud. You should get that checked out
trawkins@reddit
You can take flying lessons with an instructor or get involved with gliders/ultralights and perhaps light sport aircraft. But you cannot qualify for a medical certificate with your health history. A medical certificate is required so fly normal category aircraft and up or to be employed as a pilot.
rFlyingTower@reddit
This is a copy of the original post body for posterity:
Always been interested in flying, everything about it excites me. Never really considered actually flying a plane until recently, but when I looked into what it takes to get a pilot license I realized how stringent the FAA is on mental health. Granted, it makes sense, these are flying death machines that can do serious damage if the wrong person gets in one, but I don't like having a few shitty months when I was a teenager disqualify me from doing something that I might have a passion for. Will this become a serious issue if I pursue getting a license? Should I even attempt to sign up for classes with this on my record? Any advice is appreciated.
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AutoModerator@reddit
Hi, I'm a bot and it looks like you're asking a question about medical issues: mental health.
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!
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