Disclosing previous depression in Class 1 renewal

[oldnew]

I was wondering if anyone had some advice or any similar past experience...

I am due to renew my class 1 medical, and I have realised that I should have disclosed in my original class 1 examination last year an incidence of depression I suffered a few years back.

Over 5 years ago after a bereavement and then a separation, I suffered from depression for a month or two, and my GP put me on the antidepressant Citalopram for 12 months. I also had some counselling and CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy). I’m glad to say that things have gone really well since then. I have been off citalopram for over 4 years, and feel fine.

I understand that it was a mistake not to disclose this last year at my first class 1, and I regret over looking it.

In case anyone is concerned, I haven’t started to fly yet so as far as being irresponsible I have yet to exercise my class 1…

[gingernut]

It does seem like an unfortunate oversight.

You'll probably get two perspectives here-the first concerned with the safety of everyone behind, and below you, the second advocating what they (the CAA medics) don't know, doesn't hurt them. (And let's face it, unless you're the subject of an AAIB report, they're unlikely to find out.)

I'm wondering if there's a "third way." I'm guessing that by virtue of the fact you've 'fessed up here, you're afraid of being haunted by this skeleton in the closet. Previous posts on here, suggest that past mental health problems, requiring medical intervention do raise concerns for the certifying authorities, but the boxes can usually be ticked eventually.

(You'll probably have to undergo a "specialist" psychiatric report-which you'll have to pay for.)

Previous scowering of this forum suggests that past treatment for a reactive problem shouldn't cause too much of an issue, but I'm sure others will add their own first hand experience.

Safe flying :)

[oldnew]

At the time it really didn't occur to me, and since realising my error I have contemplated the 'stigma' issue.

At the end of day the CAA could check my medical records at any time. I don't feel shame about my past, but appreciate that I should have paid more attention.

So far as risk, no harm caused to anyone sitting the ATPL ground school exams, so far :)

[Bob the Doc]

I would have thought GN has it pretty much bang on. Without reading the regs specifically, I can't see the CAA eventually refusing a licence with what you describe. Good reason for original episode, good response to management (both psychological and chemical) and a long period of drug-free stability since. They may get a bit snotty about not having been told but I'm sure that can all be sorted out eventually

I'm sure a response from a current (as opposed to an aspirant) AME will be along soon

[oldnew]

Thanks for the reply - I think a phone call to Gatwick is in order.

[gingernut]

They may get a bit snotty about not having been told but I'm sure that can all be sorted out eventually

I'd agree.

It does sound like this has been an oversight, rather than a deliberate attempt at decieve, and I 'd be sure to get that point across. :)

[farsouth]

I suffered from a period of bad depression following an aircraft accident. My Class 1 medical was temporarily suspended by my AME (best thing that happened to me, as I had been bottling things up).
My employers were very supportive, I had some counselling, which did help, and after a couple of months the medical was re-instated. The CAA medical department had no issues with this, wrote me a letter assuring me that they had no further comment to make and that they would be glad to help in the future if required. I have decalred it on every medical renewal since, and have changed jobs, and it has not been an issue.
Don't worry unneccessarily.......................

[oldnew]

It's been a while but I am glad to report that the visit to the CAA went well. It was a very professional and polite experience. The relevant questions were asked and answered. I supplied the medical notes from my GP (about 3 weeks prior to the appointment).

No problems, no limitations or restrictions. I was reminded that supplying all the information and declaring thoroughly is the easiest path to follow.

If anyone goes through a similar experience I would suggest getting on the phone to Gatwick and explaining your situation. Any decisions are taken by medical professionals, they treated me with respect and exceeded all my expectations.