Options for nonprofessional pilots.

I received an email the other day from a student pilot who is considering going on antidepressants. He was torn between his love of flying and receiving the treatment he needs. He knew that if he went on antidepressants now he would not be able to receive a valid medical for at least one year due to the new policies. However, that is much better than not being able to qualify at all.

His email gave me the idea for this post. I would think that there are many people who want to fly, but have no intentions of doing so for a living. There are more options open to someone who is not interested in becoming a professional. There are some ways people in this category can be on antidepressants and fly.

The first option is the easiest way to go. Simply fly with an instructor. It will cost a little more, but there will be few limitations on what you can do. This way a person can rent any kind of airplane they want to as long as they have an instructor who is qualified to fly that type of aircraft. About the only limitation you have this way is your finances.

The other way is going the route of obtaining your Light Sport Aircraft (LSA) rating. As an LSA pilot you have some limitations that you would not have as a Private Pilot, but you can still legally fly. One of the first limitations is the size of aircraft you can fly. An LSA will limit you to a two seat aircraft with some other restrictions on the airplane as well.

Here is a link to an FAQ page on the FAA's website that will give you some information regarding limitations for a person who would like to obtain a Sport Pilot License.

http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/text-idx?c=ecfr&sid=40760189a03dfea0b501608f33820a45&rgn=div5&view=text&node=14:2.0.1.1.2&idno=14#14:2.0.1.1.2.10.1.2

The third and most tedious way for a person to become a pilot and be on antidepressants can eventually allow you to go on to be a professional pilot as well. This would mean going through the entire process the FAA has outlined in its new program. A person going this route will need to document that you have been stable one of the four approved medications for a minimum of one year. Being stable on the meds means that there has been no dosage change or lapse in usage.

When you meet the one year requirement you can then apply for an FAA medical. However, the doctor performing the evaluation will not issue the medical to you. The examining physician will "defer" your case to the FAA's medical office in Oklahoma City. When your application is received in OKC it will be sent on to an office in Washington, DC. When your application has been reviewed in DC you will be sent instructions on how to proceed from that point. These instructions will inform you to see a Designated Medical Examiner who is also approved on the Human Intervention Motivation Study (HIMS) program. Additionally, you will be instructed to undergo some testing. From what I have been told this testing can cost a few thousand dollars.

Once you go through this process there is no guarantee that will be issued a medical certificate. Also, keep in mind if you go this route if you are denied a medical certificate that you cannot even apply for a Sport Pilot License. Even though a medical certificate is not required to be a Sport Pilot the regulations state that anyone who has been denied an FAA Medical cannot become a Sport Pilot.

I hope that this information helps people who want love flying, but also suffer from depression. There are options available. Now the decision is yours. Let me finish by saying that safety is the most important issue when operating any aircraft. The regulations regarding operating a LSA also state that if you know of any medical reason that you should not operate an aircraft then you do not qualify to become a Sport Pilot. When considering this option work closely with medical professionals. If your doctor feels there are any reasons you should not operate an aircraft then do not.

I welcome your feedback.

Keep an eye on the sky!

The Prozac Pilot

Tough Road Ahead

I received an email from a pilot who came forward during the amnesty period. He has allowed me to post some of his comments, but not his identity. I would first like to comment to him and others like him who have come forward. I know what you did was not easy. You have risked your careers for the hope of improving your health. I understand this was not an easy decision. I applaud you for what you have done as should anyone. I hope and pray that these words can raise a better awareness for what you are going through.

"I am a 36 year old pilot for a major airline. With the support and encouragement of my family I am undergoing the evaluation and re-certification process. As far as I know I am one of about a dozen pilots doing this. I stopped flying on July 25th of this year. At this point I am waiting to hear back from the Federal Air Surgeons office. My experience has been one of frustration. 

The biggest hurdle for me was not in taking the neuropsychological testing, but the lack of infrastructure in the process. I live in a major city and could only find one neuropsychologist who was familiar enough with the FAA to complete all of the testing. I had to call the regional FAA office where I live to find him. My HIMS AME did not even know about him. He actually gave me more of a battery of tests than required just so the FAA could not come back and say that they wanted additional testing on me.

Another hurdle was the monitoring process between my company and the FAA. My company was not going to take me back because the did not want the additional legalities of monitoring me. They have since resolved that issue and once I have my medical back they will put me back online.

While going through this process it seems ridiculous to me that the FAA gave pilots only a six month window for amnesty. I believe the FAA should allow pilots to openly come forward anytime they want. The FAA allows alcoholics to come forward and at any time. There should be the same option for pilots who suffer from depression and are trying to take care of themselves."

 It is obvious from the experience of this pilot that the process needs some improvements. I myself have attempted to contact the HIMS office to locate an HIMS AME so that I may start the process, but have not received a response to my messages.

I have hope that things will get better. I still think the biggest battle that we have comes from the stigma placed on people who say they suffer from depression. Were it not for the supportive emails I have received from around the world I wish I would not have given the CNN interview. I have many people who now look at me differently. I see looks in people's faces that say, "Oh, poor Collin. I feel so sorry for him." Either people that seem to think that depression is nothing and that those who say they suffer from it should just, "Suck it up."

However, I have put myself in the spotlight. Now I must stand tall and take on the responsibility that has been handed to me. I have done some public appearances. I hope that I am able to make many more presentations. The main topic of my talks has been regarding education to the public. I want to help remove the stigma that surrounds depression.

I have rambled on enough for now.

Keep an eye on the sky!

Collin Hughes

The Prozac Pilot

 

Has anyone on antidepressants successfully received an FAA Medical?

I am have not heard much about what is happening with the FAA ruling since it was announced back in April. I had one person write claiming that he took the tests, but that these tests were extremely difficult and not meant to be passed by an average person. I have some people comment that they feel this is a "trap" by the FAA to lure out pilots on medications and destroy their careers. Could this be true or could those people be suffering from more than depression? Paranoid personality disorder perhaps?

I have been so wrapped up in my career change lately and worrying about paying the bills that I have neglected anything having to do with the Prozac Pilot. I did take the time to look at the statistics on my blog tonight. I thought due to my inactivity of posting that the traffic would be down to zero. However, I am actually getting several hits.

I noticed that many hits are coming from areas where the United States has military personnel. I am guessing that these hits are coming from members of the United States Military. If so, thank you to all of the military readers. I thank you not just for reading my blog, but for the unselfish sacrifices you make for your country. I have always admired those who serve our country.

I am hoping that if I am more regular in posting that people will return to this site and the hits will grow in numbers. I would like to hear comments from any view point. I am sure that people would like to hear from anyone who has gone through the process and has received the special issuance on their medical certificate.

It is good to see that there are some companies that are starting to hire again after such a long period of furloughs. XOJet is one of those companies. I have read some great things about XO that shows this company is growing and does not have plans to slow down. What a great thing to see in this economic downturn. American Eagle and a few other regional carriers have also started hiring. I occasionally go to www.climbto350.com to see what jobs are being posted. For the longest time most of the jobs were in Asia. Now there are more jobs popping up in the U.S. Perhaps we really are coming out of the recession.

Please keep the comments coming. I enjoy reading what people think. I just would ask that there be no vulgarity.

Keep an eye on the sky!

Collin Hughes

The Prozac Pilot

Response to a blog that opposes pilots using antidepressants.

The following is a copy of a post that I did on a blog that opposes pilots using antidepressants. This blog was written by an organization that believes the new rules are all to help the pharmaceutical companies make money.

Currently, there are pilots who suffer from depression, but will not seek help due to the fact they will no longer have a job. Even under the FAA’s new mandate a pilot will be grounded for one year after he/she is stable on medication. To me this is more of an issue of honesty. I would not trust someone who lies about their condition to keep a job. I grounded myself over two years ago when I went on antidepressants.

The one year stabilization time is more than enough time to know how a person is going to react on the medications. This decision was made in order to help pilots who need medical attention. I do not know of other jobs that would prohibit workers from taking antidepressants.

Surgeons can take medications. Bus, taxi and truck drivers can take medications too. Aviation is the only area that I know of that has had such a limitation. It is ludicrous to think that this decision was made so pharmaceutical companies could make more money.

I have had my career taken from me. I have found an alternate form of income. But if I am able to safely perform the duties of my chosen profession why should I not be able to do so?

Perhaps everyone on antidepressants should also not be allowed to drive a car. There is more danger on the roads than there is in the air.

Accomplishments

Since my CNN interviewed aired I have received emails from all around the world. Most of the communications were basic comments. I have had some people ask for advice and other people have told me about their struggles. One story in particular touched me. A woman wrote to me and told me about the death of someone close to her. I wrote briefly about it in my blog. I titled this particular blog entry, “The Loss of a Brother.”

Writing about such a tragic event has made me reflect on some of the things that are important in life. I have written that the main thing that has helped me through my struggles is my faith in God. That is the most important thing in my life. But I would like to reflect upon other things that sometimes we take for granted.

Until I forced myself to take a good look at life I have not realized all of the wonderful things in this earthly existence. I looked back at my childhood and realized that most of my childhood dreams have come true. I remember as a child there were two things I wanted to do when I grew up. I wanted to be a cowboy and a pilot. For those of you who have followed my blog or this article you know that I flew a CitationJet 2+ before I lost my medical. One thing I have not written much about is my life before flying. Therefore, not many people who have followed my writings know that I rode bulls for eighteen years. Yes, I got to be a cowboy and a pilot.

Recently, I have realized at how important positive memories are to a good attitude.  I was reminded of this when I got together with an old rodeo friend of mine. I had not seen this friend in twenty years. He sent me a message that he would be in Las Vegas and that he would have time to get together. As my friend I talked we remised about other people that we knew and what they were doing. It was great fun to ponder the days of yore.

Since my friend and I talked I have thought much about how many wonderful things there are in this life. When I became too old to ride bulls I felt badly that I was no longer a cowboy. When I was grounded for medical reasons I was sad that I was no longer a pilot. However, in visiting with my friend I realized that the things I have accomplished in life would always be a part of me.

I look back through my life and remember the fun I had when I was traveling down the road with friends going to the next rodeo. I remember the jokes we used to play on each other while we were behind the chutes waiting to compete. The friendships made in those days will last the rest of my life.

Now I also look back at my days of flying. My contact list in my phone and my friends list on Facebook contains people I used to fly with. These also are bonds that will endure throughout my mortality. The bonds that we form with others while on this earth are important. The opportunity to care about others is such a wonderful part of life.

I have also been thinking about the beauty I have seen as a pilot. I remember being in the flight levels and watched as a small cloud grew into a huge thunderstorm. Being able to watch nature develop in such a manner was amazing.

Through all this rambling I have done the thing I want to point out is my hope that I can encourage others to take a stronger look at the wonders of this life. Do not let the downside of life hold you back. Be sure to let the positive side of life have a strong influence on how you live. We are each made to be great. I hope we all can work to be the best that we can be.

The Loss of A Brother

I have not posted on my blog in a few weeks. But today I received a message from a woman who just lost someone close to her due to his depression. I received an email from a young lady who found her friend dead in his garage. He had taken his own life. Ironically, this man ended his life just two days after the FAA made its announcement about the approval of some antidepressants.

It is sad to hear about anyone who has lost so much. What is even sadder is that this man's life could have been saved if he would have reached out for help. Either the thought of ending his career as a pilot or having to admit to himself that he needed help most likely stopped him from seeking the help that he so badly needed. Either of these two stumbling blocks lead to his death.

There is hope in the world. I urge anyone who is reading this and needs help to reach out to those near to you. Staying in the air is not worth your life.

Keep and eye on the Sky!

Collin Hughes

The Prozac Pilot

Prozac Pilot Update on FAA Medical Certification