Can I obtain an EASA class 1 medical with family history of mental ilness?
Hello all,
This is a slightly sensitive subject. However, I would like to see what people who are knowledgeable on the topic may think about my chances of passing a class one medical before I make the financial commitment. With that said I fully appreciate that the bottom line is likely to be, "you won't know until you go and take an initial exam".
I am looking to realize my dreams of becoming a commercial pilot but have an unfortunate family history that may be problematic when it comes to passing a class 1 EASA medical (and eventually my CAA too). My father was a commercial pilot (FAA) for many decades, a few years after stopping flying commercially he took his own life in a matter unrelated to aviation. This suicide happened in my teenage years and I am now in my mid/late 20's. This was of course devastating and changed my life greatly but I have always dealt positively with the impacts on my life and used it as an impetus to strive and make the most from life, I have excelled at university and at work, I am very social, have a healthy long-term relationship and have many passions and hobbies that I pursue to a high level. The few people that find this fact out are often surprised as it shows little bearing in how I conduct myself. Having always been a dream of mine, growing older, I am realizing that aviation is a path I would love follow - the beauty of which I was constantly able to enjoy as a child.
In short - under the mental health questionnaire of the EASA class 1 initial assessment, number 15 I will have to declare this fact. How likely is this to be a problem in passing this class 1 medical? I have no mental health disorders of my own and no record of any medical conditions that could be a problem otherwise. Are there any likely steps an AME might request me to take regarding this topic that I can pre-empt?
Moreover, is this information/history likely to be a significant challenge/disadvantage in interviews for airlines/positions or in any other facet of the life of a commercial pilot for that matter?
It is extremely unfortunate in many ways but I would like to think that this situation is not something that will prevent me from realizing my dreams of flying.
Thanks for taking the time to give any advise!