Seeking Advice for precarious FAA medical situation.

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FlyingShadow1@reddit

You can go with what your HIMS AME suggested but I'd contact AMAS or leftseat, they deal with heavy issues like this.

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Prof_Slappopotamus@reddit

You have a lawyer and a HIMS AME. Take their advice.

The only advice you should take from Reddit is just continue with your self-grounding.

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Sounds like the AME and lawyer are suggesting two different paths, which would lead someone to reach out to the world and see if anyone has had a similar experience, giving OP a chance to learn through the actions of others.

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EliteEthos@reddit

So, you had sex and feel guilty?

WTF is this?

You’re trolling, right? No way does the FAA give a shit about your sex life nor would they need a special issuance for it.

It sure sounds like you’re leaving details out of your circumstance if it’s real at all… since you have a “throwaway account” and all.

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StangViper88@reddit

True sex addiction is technically a mental disorder.

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ltcterry@reddit

There is no requirement to report either to the FAA. Unless alcohol/crime.

You’ve self grounded. That’s a good choice/decision. Keep making good choices.

Don’t fly. Get your life back on track. Along the way your medical will expire on its own. Did I say get your life back on track? That means you have value. Today, tomorrow, and beyond. Don’t forget that.

Doing anything dramatic and unnecessary with the FAA just adds to your future woes. And…

You are not hiding anything. If one day you decide to go for a new medical you will then properly disclose all of this. When required.

You the human are important. Focus there, please. Once you and your physician(s) are happy then Sport, Glider, and BasicMed become options. Don’t purposely take action that takes most of these off the table if not required.

No need to make future complications with the FAA more complicated today.

I believe in compliance. People who shouldn’t fly shouldn’t fly. I’m very pragmatic; if it’s not required, don’t do it!

I have a son with mental illness; I left a job I loved ‘cause I love him more. I lost a brother to suicide. And a Soldier who worked for me in Iraq was one of two in our brigade headquarters to commit suicide. I take this stuff seriously.

Self grounding is excellent. Letting your medical slowly expire is perfectly legal. And you can focus on you.

Wishing you all the best as you seek treatment and growth!

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JumboTrijet@reddit

^ This advice is spot on ^

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bhalter80@reddit

I'm curious why is your counsel recommending surrender vs self-ground/not renew? Wither way you're bound to self-ground during a period of deficiency which you know you're in

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chupchupandaway@reddit

100% this is not a question for redditors. But if you apply for a job isn’t it likely that the medical record is going to be brought to light? I would think your AME and lawyer have the right advice for you to disclose. Wishing you all the best on your journey to recovery!

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live_drifter@reddit

Consult an AME not Reddit

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rFlyingTower@reddit

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

TL;DR: major relapse in depression and addiction. How/when do I report to the FAA or should I just surrender my medical certificate. Conflicting advice from lawyer and AMEs.

Throwaway Account: I am a commercial SEL/MEL pilot with private privileges for gliders. I hold a first class medical under special issuance for depression, anxiety, and sex addiction. Yes you read that right, for sex addiction.

I have been in recovery for eight years. The FAA has worked with me in the past to regain medical certification for my past health issues. I do not fly for a living, however, it was my goal to fly professionally.

Unfortunately, I had a major relapse in February involving my addiction and depression. It was severe enough that suicidal ideation was involved. No substances involved.

I went to rehab at an inpatient facility for 45 days. I feel a lot better now and no longer experiencing shame or suicidal thoughts. I am not taking any antidepressants. I am both humbled and extremely grateful that I’ve had the opportunity to get help.

I have consulted with a well respected HIMS AME and an aviation lawyer. The HIMS AME recommended I voluntarily surrender my medical certificate and to get healthy during my recovery for the next year or so. he also recommended that I document aftercare, with neuropsychological and psychiatric evaluations that attest to my recovery. The aviation attorney said it could go either way, but he encouraged I disclose to the FAA so they could deny and revoke the certificate, and give me a potential path back to certification. no guarantees either way.

I am medically self grounding. With no intention to fly airplanes for the foreseeable future until I am truly recovered. My focus is on getting healthier first.

However, I don’t want to screw myself with over disclosure of information that could lead to a lifetime ban flying airplanes. Basic med doesn’t seem an option because I’m not medically qualified. Unsure about light sport.

I don’t want to lie and hide. I want to do the right thing here. There are too many pilots hiding medical issues. I’m trying to balance honesty, my recovery, and my passion for flying.

What would you do in this situation? Would you disclose the adverse change and treatment records to the FAA and get a revocation of the medical? Or should I just voluntarily surrender my medical certificate with no explanation and reapply for a medical later in the future?

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AutoModerator@reddit

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

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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