I am about to start my BA in Aviation Management but would really like to minor in professional pilot to get my PPL. My sophomore year of high school my doctor prescribed me Adderall XR to try and treat my so called ADD. I had no idea at the time that such a diagnosis could have an impact on my flight career. I have been off of medication for over 3 years now with the doctors approval. I do well in school and perform well on testing. I completed my ground school but that is as far as I have gone. I want to get this issue cleared up before I spend a fortune on flight training.

I am wondering if anyone else has gone through this process before and would be willing to point me in the right direction. I know I have to do some FAA testing to ensure that I am fit to fly but I honestly have no idea where to start. The process seems very confusing.

I would greatly appreciate any help! Thank you!

If you are a member of AOPA, they have a number you can call to get advice on these issues. I'd recommend starting there.

I'm taking lessons and I have ADHD. I was also prescribed ADDerall. Haven't taken any ADD/ADHD meds in over a decade. What makes you think it's an issue? I ask, because perhaps I should be worried as well...

Quoting RDUDDJI (Reply 2): I'm taking lessons and I have ADHD. I was also prescribed ADDerall. Haven't taken any ADD/ADHD meds in over a decade. What makes you think it's an issue? I ask, because perhaps I should be worried as well...

Because the FAA doesn't allow you to hold a medical certificate of any level on meds. Additionally, if you've ever been diagnosed, you're looking at a battery of neurological tests you'll have to pay for out of pocket, to get a medical certificate.

-DiamondFlyer

Generally the FAA wants you to be off meds like Adderall for at least 90 days. I previously took Adderall for ADHD and now hold a first class medical.

The best place to start is to go to an FAA medical examiner. If you haven't taken any medication in three years, then you are fine there. If you tell them you have a previous diagnosis of ADD/ADHD they will probably defer your medical to the FAA. The FAA may want you to take a neuro-psych exam lasting several hours and also meet with a psychiatrist. In my case I had not taken Adderall in several years and all I had to do is meet with a psychiatrist who interviewed me.

The other option is to lie and deny any past ADD/ADHD diagnosis. This is the easy way if you are not taking medication. Not saying it is right, but it is way easier and cheaper.

Quoting pliersinsight (Reply 1): If you are a member of AOPA, they have a number you can call to get advice on these issues. I'd recommend starting there.

   Ask them for a list of AMEs in your area who have knowledge of dealing with mental health issues. The FAA is not very flexible on these sorts of things (remember the whole discussion after the Germanwings crash about how pilots wouldn't get treatment for mental issues because the FAA made it difficult? You're about to go wading into those waters), and it really helps to have someone who knows how to get people certified and how to sell your case to the FAA.

If you've got no symptoms and aren't on any medication, you'll be able to be certified (any current or recent medication use is disqualifying), but you should prepare to spend significant money on it. You will either have to pay for a battery of FAA mandated tests, or pay for the services of someone who can convince the FAA that you don't need all those tests and instead have you take only a few of them (think of it as hiring an attorney). I highly recommend the second option, but one way or another you're going to pay. I'm not trying to scare you off - just trying to set expectations.

Quoting nws2002 (Reply 4): The other option is to lie and deny any past ADD/ADHD diagnosis. This is the easy way if you are not taking medication. Not saying it is right, but it is way easier and cheaper.

It is, but it's also playing Russian Roulette with your career. Not recommended.

-Mir

Quoting nws2002 (Reply 4): The other option is to lie and deny any past ADD/ADHD diagnosis. This is the easy way if you are not taking medication. Not saying it is right, but it is way easier and cheaper.

If it all happened while you were under 18, there is no reason to bring it up and go through all the extra evaluations.

I wouldn't worry about it. No one is going to access your medical records.

Here is a great list of meds and whether or not they are allowed.

This is a guide on conditions and what to expect.

Of course go to an AME and see if you can get a medical before getting too far into it.

Quoting nws2002 (Reply 4): The other option is to lie and deny any past ADD/ADHD diagnosis. This is the easy way if you are not taking medication. Not saying it is right, but it is way easier and cheaper.

If you like jail time, go ahead and lie but it's not worth it.

[Edited 2016-04-13 16:05:35]

Quoting mcbridetm (Thread starter): I have been off of medication for over 3 years now with the doctors approval. I do well in school and perform well on testing. I completed my ground school but that is as far as I have gone. I want to get this issue cleared up before I spend a fortune on flight training.

If you have been off the medication for over 3 years and you have been doing well in college, I would not be too concerned. It is however something you will need to address, and once addressed there is no real reason you cannot hold a unrestricted medical without further testing.

Basically you will need to have a drug screening to prove you are off the meds, have an psychologist review your previous medical records, review you school/college results and undertake a set of test including Trail Making Test,
Wisconsin Card Sorting Test, Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test (PASAT).

Quoting mcbridetm (Thread starter): I know I have to do some FAA testing to ensure that I am fit to fly but I honestly have no idea where to start.

This is the FAA guidance
https://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/avs/offices/aam/ame/guide/dec_cons/disease_prot/adhd/

As suggested speak to AOPA get their feedback. You are best to have a doctor involved that has done this procedure before and has had good results. The report submitted to the FAA by the doctor is what you will pass or fail you. The best results you can get is for the doctor to say that in their opinion you did not have ADD to start with and the results prove that.

Quoting DiamondFlyer (Reply 3): Because the FAA doesn't allow you to hold a medical certificate of any level on meds.

That is not true, many pilots are on medication all the time. It all depends on the medication, and the condition.

Quoting nws2002 (Reply 4): The other option is to lie and deny any past ADD/ADHD diagnosis. This is the easy way if you are not taking medication. Not saying it is right, but it is way easier and cheaper.

That is very poor advice. Do not lie to the FAA the implications for doing so may even include spending time in jail or being deemed as being of poor character to hold a medical.

The advice above about contacting AOPA medical etc is wise. To be clear, previously taking ADD medication does not mean a diagnosis of ADD. Most people are prescribed the drugs without actually going through the sort of screening the FAA do.

Quoting tb727 (Reply 7): Here is a great list of meds and whether or not they are allowed.

Interesting list, who knew Valerian root would be on there. Probably good for anyone to review that thoroughly when applying and qualifying.

Quoting zeke (Reply 8): That is not true, many pilots are on medication all the time. It all depends on the medication, and the condition.

Not ADD/ADHD meds, which is what I was referring to.

-DiamondFlyer

Thank you to everyone who responded. Tons of great information. The big problem I have also had is trying to find a FAA approved psychologist to administer the tests. I live around Seattle. Would anyone happen to know the name of someone around that area. Thanks again for all of your help!

Quoting DiamondFlyer (Reply 10): Not ADD/ADHD meds, which is what I was referring to.

I will have to take your word on that.

Quoting mcbridetm (Reply 11): The big problem I have also had is trying to find a FAA approved psychologist to administer the tests. I live around Seattle. Would anyone happen to know the name of someone around that area.

There is no specific FAA approval given to them, they need to be a qualified psychologist who is specifically trained to perform cognitive testing, and preferably holding state licensing or certification with a Ph. D. or Psy. D. in Clinical Psychology.

If you do a search for CogScreen and Neuropsychological Evaluations you should get an idea of a few places.

This is one in your area http://www.rehabwashington.com/progr...es/neuropsychological-evaluations/

Suggest you also speak to AOPA.

If you're legitimately interested, PM me and I will put you in touch with an AME who is the only one you want. Do not just launch into the process with a random AME. You'll be needing to complete a protocol to demonstrate that the diagnosis of ADD was incorrect.

Quoting sccutler (Reply 13): Do not just launch into the process with a random AME. You'll be needing to complete a protocol to demonstrate that the diagnosis of ADD was incorrect.

Wise advice.

Quoting sccutler (Reply 13): Do not just launch into the process with a random AME.

   This cannot be said enough. You don't want just anybody. You want a specialist who deals with these sorts of things all the time and knows how to make the FAA happy.

-Mir

Quoting mcbridetm (Thread starter): I am about to start my BA in Aviation Management but would really like to minor in professional pilot to get my PPL. My sophomore year of high school my doctor prescribed me Adderall XR to try and treat my so called ADD. I had no idea at the time that such a diagnosis could have an impact on my flight career. I have been off of medication for over 3 years now with the doctors approval. I do well in school and perform well on testing. I completed my ground school but that is as far as I have gone. I want to get this issue cleared up before I spend a fortune on flight training.

I'm an MD and ADHD is my specialty, although I don't work with pilots.

If you've been off meds for 3 years and have been performing well in school then it's reasonable to suppose that you might have grown out of it. Depending on the study, anywhere between 5-60% of children with ADHD will grow out of the disorder. My suspicion is that the actual number is in the vicinity of 15%.

Now, obviously I've never seen or examined you so I can't say that you have or you haven't, but I'd say that from a medical perspective, this is not a major concern.

First..don't lie....it will come back to bite you. The military, Army anyway is the same, if the issue is "resolved" by your MD and you have used the meds in 1 year, I would think you are good to go.

[/quote]

nws2002 wrote:

Generally the FAA wants you to be off meds like Adderall for at least 90 days. I previously took Adderall for ADHD and now hold a first class medical.
...... The FAA may want you to take a neuro-psych exam lasting several hours and also meet with a psychiatrist. In my case I had not taken Adderall in several years and all I had to do is meet with a psychiatrist who interviewed me.

Could you elaborate a little more on this process? I'm in the same boat you were once in. Can you still hold a job with an airline after receiving your first class medical even though it was originally deferred?

sccutler wrote:

If you're legitimately interested, PM me and I will put you in touch with an AME who is the only one you want. Do not just launch into the process with a random AME. You'll be needing to complete a protocol to demonstrate that the diagnosis of ADD was incorrect.

I’m in the same situation as McBrideTM and also live in Seattle. I’ve already started my 90 days without meds. Any recommendations for an AME?

As someone who takes one of the medications that would most definitely disqualify me (based on the website posted above) I have to ask the question as to why drives the decision whether or not a medication is prohibited. Obviously some of them are quite obvious due to the potential for them to have effects which would impair someone's cognitive abilities (ie. a tranquilizer drugs) but I don't see the connection between some of the drugs used for conditions such as IBS or dermatological problems and flying.

JAGflyer wrote:

Obviously some of them are quite obvious due to the potential for them to have effects which would impair someone's cognitive abilities (ie. a tranquilizer drugs) but I don't see the connection between some of the drugs used for conditions such as IBS or dermatological problems and flying.

IBS medications like Librax contain psychotropic drugs, depends on the dermatological problems you are referring to, Accutane is only to be used if you fly during the day as a known side effect is blurred vision or other changes in vision, changes in behavior, decreased vision after sunset or before sunrise (sudden or may continue after medicine is stopped). Most antibiotics are okay, they like you have 48 hrs on them before flying to make sure there is no side effects, and anti-fungals are on a case by case basis.

Basically if the drug effects your vision or is psychotropic it will not be approved.

There are plenty of drugs on that list that are 'overkill' for safety reasons. Personally, I've been on, and safely operated 500+ horsepower motor vehicles (not piloted a commercial aircraft, mind you - for obvious reasons, I can't get pass a medical cert) on at least 20+ of those substances in the pain and neurological categories on that very helpful website tb727 linked above, and only those in the pain category do decrease performance to any noticeable degree. The neurological ones have potential to, but if you have a doctor who's even half awake, they should be able to easily ascertain any loss of function. Blanket bans are a horrendous policy idea as it disqualifies many individuals who would otherwise be capable of performing competently... The policy is asinine and should be based upon individual performance while on the particular substances in question. I suspect there will be vehement disagreement amongst some, but I posit that a clear and broad test for reflexes, responses, and such can easily be implemented.

The point isn't that th drugs are banned in many cases; it's the FAA CAMI insists on a specific, individual evaluation. Flying planes involves a lot more senses than drivin, obviously

sccutler wrote:

If you're legitimately interested, PM me and I will put you in touch with an AME who is the only one you want. Do not just launch into the process with a random AME. You'll be needing to complete a protocol to demonstrate that the diagnosis of ADD was incorrect.

A google search brough me here...

I dealt with this back in 2010 after being denied my medical for my first private solo due to listing adderall as a prescription. If i were to do it again, i wouldn’t open my mouth about it, but it’s too late now.

That was well over 5 years ago and i’m ready to take this back on. Need an AME recommendation (i’ll talk to anyone in the country if they’re my best bet to help get this behind me). I went through the testing process and achieved high results in all but two tests (of 25 to 30 different tests total) and the FAA denied me yet again. They have no leinency whatsoever and can care less if you’re the best pilot the world has ever seen. It is so frustrating. Hopefully time is on my side and i can try the process again and push it through.

@sccutler would you be willing to send me that AME recommendation you mentioned? i can’t PM since i’m new to the forums. i can send you my email address if that’s easiest. any help is greatly appreciated. i don’t want to let this stop me from flying anymore!!

Are there any success stories with this process?

schmidtrl wrote:

A google search brough me here...

I dealt with this back in 2010 after being denied my medical for my first private solo due to listing adderall as a prescription. If i were to do it again, i wouldn’t open my mouth about it, but it’s too late now.

That was well over 5 years ago and i’m ready to take this back on. Need an AME recommendation (i’ll talk to anyone in the country if they’re my best bet to help get this behind me). I went through the testing process and achieved high results in all but two tests (of 25 to 30 different tests total) and the FAA denied me yet again. They have no leinency whatsoever and can care less if you’re the best pilot the world has ever seen. It is so frustrating. Hopefully time is on my side and i can try the process again and push it through.

@sccutler would you be willing to send me that AME recommendation you mentioned? i can’t PM since i’m new to the forums. i can send you my email address if that’s easiest. any help is greatly appreciated. i don’t want to let this stop me from flying anymore!!

Hiding information would definitely not be advisable. Just because you don't tell the AME doesn't mean they don't keep your past medical history on file. The flight surgeon will receive the results of your physical from the AME, but he/she will also see your previous ADD diagnosis, and the prescription for Adderall. It's a Schedule II narcotic if my memory serves me correctly, and even the AME can see if you've had a recent controlled Rx in the PDMP. Even if it was your first medical, they'd still search the PDMP, and you'd be disqualified for failure to disclose. If nothing came up for the AME, the flight surgeon can request 12 months of pharmacy records, and will most certainly follow up if you fail to report a previously noted diagnosis. They can request records and statements from your GP or specialists, and even refer you to more detailed examinations. Tl;dr - Just be up front, because they'll probably find out anyway, especially with controlled drugs. At the very least, you'd piss hot if you're still on Adderall.

I don't say this to discourage you, but hiding information won't get you through the process, especially if it's been previously reported. They take a particularly close look into applicants who have previously been denied medicals. I've never been denied, but on my last medical, they gave me a hard time for failing to report a previous Dx for asthma, which was listed on my first medical from close to 15 years ago — when I was a teenager. I didn't report it because it hasn't been an issue since I was a teenager, but they still found it nonetheless. It's not even a disqualifying condition, but they're looking for inconsistencies.

I would never recommend someone discontinue using a medication without their doctor being part of the process, but it's important for anyone regularly taking a scheduled medication that they will not receive a medical under any circumstance until the medication has been permanently discontinued. There are numerous non-scheduled drugs that are also disqualifiers. Frustratingly there's no list, but hiding medications or diagnoses from the FAA is not a good idea, especially in the age of easily searchable databases.

I don't know if the public has access to this, but ATC has free use of a virtual AME service. There may be a fee for individuals, but it's an anonymous way to get advice for an upcoming medical directly from an approved AME. That could be something you could look into. If you've discontinued your meds and are properly coping through approved meds or alternative means, then you stand a decent chance for approval. It's very hard to game the system though, especially if you haven't previously held a medical.

Good luck!

atcsundevil wrote:

Hiding information would definitely not be advisable. Just because you don't tell the AME doesn't mean they don't keep your past medical history on file. The flight surgeon will receive the results of your physical from the AME, but he/she will also see your previous ADD diagnosis, and the prescription for Adderall. It's a Schedule II narcotic if my memory serves me correctly, and even the AME can see if you've had a recent controlled Rx in the PDMP. Even if it was your first medical, they'd still search the PDMP, and you'd be disqualified for failure to disclose. If nothing came up for the AME, the flight surgeon can request 12 months of pharmacy records, and will most certainly follow up if you fail to report a previously noted diagnosis. They can request records and statements from your GP or specialists, and even refer you to more detailed examinations. Tl;dr - Just be up front, because they'll probably find out anyway, especially with controlled drugs. At the very least, you'd piss hot if you're still on Adderall.

I don't say this to discourage you, but hiding information won't get you through the process, especially if it's been previously reported. They take a particularly close look into applicants who have previously been denied medicals. I've never been denied, but on my last medical, they gave me a hard time for failing to report a previous Dx for asthma, which was listed on my first medical from close to 15 years ago — when I was a teenager. I didn't report it because it hasn't been an issue since I was a teenager, but they still found it nonetheless. It's not even a disqualifying condition, but they're looking for inconsistencies.

I would never recommend someone discontinue using a medication without their doctor being part of the process, but it's important for anyone regularly taking a scheduled medication that they will not receive a medical under any circumstance until the medication has been permanently discontinued. There are numerous non-scheduled drugs that are also disqualifiers. Frustratingly there's no list, but hiding medications or diagnoses from the FAA is not a good idea, especially in the age of easily searchable databases.

I don't know if the public has access to this, but ATC has free use of a virtual AME service. There may be a fee for individuals, but it's an anonymous way to get advice for an upcoming medical directly from an approved AME. That could be something you could look into. If you've discontinued your meds and are properly coping through approved meds or alternative means, then you stand a decent chance for approval. It's very hard to game the system though, especially if you haven't previously held a medical.

Good luck!

Thanks for the response. Let me reiterate my intention is not to hide anything from the AME or FAA at this point - I'm just saying I'm going to jumpstart the process again, since it's been five years and I've been off the medication for longer than that. They could pull my medical records to prove that.

My concern is the ability to pass these tests. As someone said earlier, even the most focused individual would find it hard to pass some of these different tests they require.

Is there an AME that anyone has dealt with that has a positive outcome or experience with dealing with this particular hurdle? That's more of my concern at this point - finding and teaming up with the appropriate sponsor/advocate and getting this pushed through the FAA's approval process.

IN THE MEANTIME - Am I still eligible for a Light Sport Pilot's license since that doesn't require a medical, or is that out of the question because of my previous denial?

This is a great thread with tons of great information. Thanks to everyone who has contributed.

To clarify, the website offered with a list of acceptable/not acceptable meds, does that apply to both private and professional pilots? I assume any employer would do drug testing, but is there some sort of physical a private pilot must pass with a clean drug screening as well? One of my prescriptions is on the naughty list, and I'd wonder how long I'd need to be off of it to possibly qualify on any level.

schmidtrl wrote:

Thanks for the response. Let me reiterate my intention is not to hide anything from the AME or FAA at this point - I'm just saying I'm going to jumpstart the process again, since it's been five years and I've been off the medication for longer than that. They could pull my medical records to prove that.

My concern is the ability to pass these tests. As someone said earlier, even the most focused individual would find it hard to pass some of these different tests they require.

Is there an AME that anyone has dealt with that has a positive outcome or experience with dealing with this particular hurdle? That's more of my concern at this point - finding and teaming up with the appropriate sponsor/advocate and getting this pushed through the FAA's approval process.

IN THE MEANTIME - Am I still eligible for a Light Sport Pilot's license since that doesn't require a medical, or is that out of the question because of my previous denial?

I see — I must have misunderstood. It's fairly common that people will try to conceal medical issues, so I just wanted to make it plain that doing that generally doesn't go too well!

I'm not familiar with the testing they perform, but I guess they're unfortunately holding you to a higher standard in light of your diagnosis (rightly or wrongly). The lovely folks at CAMI in Oak City sometimes seem to get a little carried away...this wouldn't be the first time, nor the last.

I've used a couple of pretty good AMEs, one in PHX and one here in DC. I've used some that are very, very thorough, and it isn't that these guys aren't, but they seem to actually care about making sure you're in a position to pass the medical. The physical isn't supposed to be subjective, but ultimately, it kind of is. If you want the names of these guys, just PM me and I'm happy to help out.

m0ssy wrote:

To clarify, the website offered with a list of acceptable/not acceptable meds, does that apply to both private and professional pilots? I assume any employer would do drug testing, but is there some sort of physical a private pilot must pass with a clean drug screening as well? One of my prescriptions is on the naughty list, and I'd wonder how long I'd need to be off of it to possibly qualify on any level.

There are websites with a general guideline of acceptable/not acceptable meds, but the FAA doesn't publish such a list. Some things come with exceptions and caveats, other things are flat out banned. Regularly prescribed medications affect your ability to attain and retain an FAA medical certificate, so it's something that affects everyone (professional and private).

Employers usually go a step further. Controllers, for example, are DQ'ed for five days just for using NyQuil. My understanding is that a one time use of Ativan will DQ us for one YEAR. Things like that wouldn't affect you as a private pilot (so far as I know), but regular medications could most certainly affect your medical.

It depends on what medication you're using, but even if it's a controlled substance (like a pain killer), they generally just want to see that it's been discontinued for something like 60 days. It depends on the drug, because different drugs have different half lives and different withdrawal symptoms, so they just want to make sure you're clear of all that. Any kind of psych med has a much longer waiting period from what I understand. AMEs will sometimes even require signed statements from your GP stating that you have discontinued the medication.

schmidtrl wrote:

sccutler wrote:

If you're legitimately interested, PM me and I will put you in touch with an AME who is the only one you want. Do not just launch into the process with a random AME. You'll be needing to complete a protocol to demonstrate that the diagnosis of ADD was incorrect.

A google search brough me here...

I dealt with this back in 2010 after being denied my medical for my first private solo due to listing adderall as a prescription. If i were to do it again, i wouldn’t open my mouth about it, but it’s too late now.

That was well over 5 years ago and i’m ready to take this back on. Need an AME recommendation (i’ll talk to anyone in the country if they’re my best bet to help get this behind me). I went through the testing process and achieved high results in all but two tests (of 25 to 30 different tests total) and the FAA denied me yet again. They have no leinency whatsoever and can care less if you’re the best pilot the world has ever seen. It is so frustrating. Hopefully time is on my side and i can try the process again and push it through.

@sccutler would you be willing to send me that AME recommendation you mentioned? i can’t PM since i’m new to the forums. i can send you my email address if that’s easiest. any help is greatly appreciated. i don’t want to let this stop me from flying anymore!!

Are there any success stories with this process?

Look for a PM; I just saw this, so apologies for my delay.

sccutler wrote:

If you're legitimately interested, PM me and I will put you in touch with an AME who is the only one you want. Do not just launch into the process with a random AME. You'll be needing to complete a protocol to demonstrate that the diagnosis of ADD was incorrect.

Hi sccutler - I am new to the forum and can’t pm you. Can you send me the name of the AME?

Thanks- Bill

I've used a couple of pretty good AMEs, one in PHX and one here in DC. I've used some that are very, very thorough, and it isn't that these guys aren't, but they seem to actually care about making sure you're in a position to pass the medical. The physical isn't supposed to be subjective, but ultimately, it kind of is. If you want the names of these guys, just PM me and I'm happy to help out.

Hi @sccutler, I'm in the same situation as schmidtrl, would it be possible to please send me the names of those AMEs? Thank you very much.

Hi SCCUTLER, I too am having issues getting my medical back. I attempted sending you a PM and it's not allowing me. Can you PM me the name of the PHX AME?

All, see the attached BRAND NEW process and tests to get your license back. Yes!! The FAA seemed to have modernize.

https://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/he ... prot/adhd/

Despite that I would still only go to those AMEs that have a good history of getting people flying with this condition.

atcsundevil wrote:

schmidtrl wrote:

Thanks for the response. Let me reiterate my intention is not to hide anything from the AME or FAA at this point - I'm just saying I'm going to jumpstart the process again, since it's been five years and I've been off the medication for longer than that. They could pull my medical records to prove that.

My concern is the ability to pass these tests. As someone said earlier, even the most focused individual would find it hard to pass some of these different tests they require.

Is there an AME that anyone has dealt with that has a positive outcome or experience with dealing with this particular hurdle? That's more of my concern at this point - finding and teaming up with the appropriate sponsor/advocate and getting this pushed through the FAA's approval process.

IN THE MEANTIME - Am I still eligible for a Light Sport Pilot's license since that doesn't require a medical, or is that out of the question because of my previous denial?

I see — I must have misunderstood. It's fairly common that people will try to conceal medical issues, so I just wanted to make it plain that doing that generally doesn't go too well!

I'm not familiar with the testing they perform, but I guess they're unfortunately holding you to a higher standard in light of your diagnosis (rightly or wrongly). The lovely folks at CAMI in Oak City sometimes seem to get a little carried away...this wouldn't be the first time, nor the last.

I've used a couple of pretty good AMEs, one in PHX and one here in DC. I've used some that are very, very thorough, and it isn't that these guys aren't, but they seem to actually care about making sure you're in a position to pass the medical. The physical isn't supposed to be subjective, but ultimately, it kind of is. If you want the names of these guys, just PM me and I'm happy to help out.

m0ssy wrote:

To clarify, the website offered with a list of acceptable/not acceptable meds, does that apply to both private and professional pilots? I assume any employer would do drug testing, but is there some sort of physical a private pilot must pass with a clean drug screening as well? One of my prescriptions is on the naughty list, and I'd wonder how long I'd need to be off of it to possibly qualify on any level.

There are websites with a general guideline of acceptable/not acceptable meds, but the FAA doesn't publish such a list. Some things come with exceptions and caveats, other things are flat out banned. Regularly prescribed medications affect your ability to attain and retain an FAA medical certificate, so it's something that affects everyone (professional and private).

Employers usually go a step further. Controllers, for example, are DQ'ed for five days just for using NyQuil. My understanding is that a one time use of Ativan will DQ us for one YEAR. Things like that wouldn't affect you as a private pilot (so far as I know), but regular medications could most certainly affect your medical.

It depends on what medication you're using, but even if it's a controlled substance (like a pain killer), they generally just want to see that it's been discontinued for something like 60 days. It depends on the drug, because different drugs have different half lives and different withdrawal symptoms, so they just want to make sure you're clear of all that. Any kind of psych med has a much longer waiting period from what I understand. AMEs will sometimes even require signed statements from your GP stating that you have discontinued the medication.

New guy also who can't figure out how to PM you haha could you please PM me the AME here in Phoenix you are talking about. Thanks!

I am in the same boat as most of these other hopefully by now pilots. I feel as if I am basically being punished for talking to my doctor one time about something. Is there any light at the end of the tunnel? If anybody has any advice to offer or experiences to share that would be awesome. Feel free to reply on the forum or send me a PM. I am unable to PM anybody as I am brand new to the forum.

- Dean