Stupid mistake

[mez06]

Hi, I am just writing to see if I should continue flying. I have just achieved my PPL and have sat 3 of my CPL exams.
Where it becomes a problem is that I am just about to go recieve my Grade 1 Medical.
When I completed my grade 2, 14 months ago, I answered yes to using drugs. I told the DAME I had used a recreational drug once about 3 years ago. This made me have to go see a drug specialist and numerous tests before CASA gave me my medical. I realise now that honesty isnt looked at the way I thought. Especially considering it was such a long time ago and a one off.

Now Do I anser yes again, or say no as the issue has already been delt with?? I dont know whether I will be knocked back if I say no and CASA sees that I said yes on my last exam.

Also, if I am to recieve my grade 1 and continue through the rest of my license will it be a complete waste of time? Will any future job prospect be hindered by my first medical or is that information confidential and all they look at is the fact that I have a current medical pass and all the experience necessary for the position.

This has been keeping me awake at night for weeks now, all your opinions will be greatly appreciated!!!!

[First_Principal]

What would be a stupid mistake is answering anything but yes. Honesty is definately the best policy here, also there's a good reason for medicals... In any event if you've already got a Grade 2 & the tests have been completed I doubt it would be much of an issue.

FP.

[trimotor]

say yes, but in the details section, put something to the effect "previously advised".

[AerocatS2A]

First of all make sure you understand the question, what time frame are they looking at? It'll be something like "in the previous year" or maybe five years. The point is that you just answer honestly and in a few years time you'll be able to answer "no" as the time you used the drug will fall out of the time frame they're interested in.

And no one knows what's on your medical record other than the DAME and CASA, don't worry about future employers.

[Horatio Leafblower]

If you've already said yes before, say yes now.

I would be surprised if previous answers aren't checked occasionally.

I have found Avmed to be very reasonable people despite a couple of curly issues over the years - they might even be able to advise you directly. Call them through the 131757 number and ask. :ok:

[Dutytimeexhausted]

If it was your intention at the outset to become a commercial pilot why were you not encouraged to get a C1 from the outset. Sounds a bit dodgy to me.....

[AussieNick]

maybe it was a cost thing? I only got a class 2 medical when i started my CPL training as i was only doing it part time, when i was getting to the end of my training i then upgraded it to a class 1

[VH-XXX]

If I were a fare paying passenger I would not want a pot-head/druggo at the controls of an aircraft that I was on board, so if you have taken drugs your duty of care is to declare the usage and let the system decide if you are of appropriate mind and body to be in control of a potentially very large aircraft with hundreds of passengers. Remember the significance of the career that you have chosen and the actions that you take have a direct result on your career prospects.

[Mr. Hat]

mez, worry not. Ring them up. Its been dealt with it shoudn't be a problem.

[the air up there]

I agree with horatio, ring casa (AVMED) and discuss it with them. Given the new DAMP procedures. Anyone still trying it on will get caught sooner rather than later hopefully.

Don't mean to thread drift, but I shudder to think what the media reaction will be if a bad egg or two do get caught.

[YELOSUB]

good on u for being honest. Dont do drugs anymore and u should be fine.

[mez06]

Thanks for the heads up, i'll def give them a call and discuss it. The question when I was asked was have you ever taken drugs, there was no time frame on it. When I asked the DAME when would be an appropriate time to answer no, he was just as curious as me.
I did only get my class 2 as a cost factor and that it lasted 2 years instead of the one.
Good to hear your thoughts anyway! Cheers.

[Steve Zissou]

Keeping you awake? There must be something you can take for that......:oh:

[ravan]

First of all make sure you understand the question, what time frame are they looking at? It'll be something like "in the previous year" or maybe five years. The point is that you just answer honestly and in a few years time you'll be able to answer "no" as the time you used the drug will fall out of the time frame they're interested in.

....used to be "in the past twlve months" ... now it is "have you ever", so if you have, you will never be able to answer "no".

[mattyj]

Can you send me some Steve...I'm struggling:bored:

[BubbaMc]

Good on you for being honest mez, I certainly wouldn't call that a mistake.

Let us know how you go with your grade 1.

[Dragun]

I answered yes once and the medical was initially rejected and sent back to the DAME with the instructions "please elaborate on positive response to question xx." I was honest and told the DAME that I'd tried some mild stuff a couple of years before as a teenager and he wrote that down. Medical was issued with no further problems.

On all subsequent medicals, and at the advice of the DAME, I just answer no now and have never been pulled up. That's over 10 years of subsequent medicals. It's just more paperwork and mucking around and if the reason of 'trying something when you were younger' is honest and the only time, then it's not worth the hassle.