What mental illnesses stop you from being a pilot?

Myth: I will lose my FAA medical if I seek help for any mental health situation. Truth: The FAA will be concerned if you are clinically diagnosed with a psychiatric condition (depressive disorders, psychosis, personality disorders, anxiety disorder or bipolar disorder) or a substance abuse disorder.



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How the FAA is Reducing the Stigma of Mental Health, Help Pilots Receive Care. The FAA encourages pilots to seek help if they have a mental health condition since most, if treated, do not disqualify a pilot from flying.

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Due to the risks to flight safety posed by ADHD, regulatory authorities worldwide consider ADHD a disqualifying condition for pilots. Unfortunately, pilots sometimes fail to disclose ADHD to their Aviation Medical Examiner (AME).

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ASD is not specifically disqualifying, and is discussed in a Federal Air Surgeon's Medical Bulletin here. While it isn't specifically disqualifying, you can expect it to take a large amount of time and money to convince the FAA that you are fit to fly.

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Myth: If I am diagnosed with a mental health condition, I will lose my FAA medical forever! Truth: The FAA allows individuals with mental health conditions to apply for a special issuance medical certificate.

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Aviation Medical Examiners are trained to determine the pilot's mental health and fitness to fly. Before this medical exam, pilots are required to report any health professional visits during the previous three years, all medications being taken, and other medical history on their medical application form.

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The team conducted a survey of more than 1,000 pilots worldwide in 2019 and found that 18% had moderate depression and 80% moderate burnout.

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In 2002 he was diagnosed with ADHD. He believes talking about ADHD openly is a way to help others. Forbes spoke with David Neeleman about founding several airlines, getting an ADHD diagnosis, and why he values happiness over money.

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