PPL medical with a previous mental health condition.

[Krystal n chips]

I have a serious question please.

And no this friend is not the ubiquitous "friend" when talking about myself, I've no interest, and never had, in gaining a PPL.

The friend in question, whom I and his partner, are actively trying to dissuade from learning to fly, he's had four flights so far, has, in the past, been diagnosed as being bi-polar, will be on medication for life, suffers from depression and takes mood stabilisers medication ( which is a new one to me ).

However, he is classed as fulfilling the DVLA medical driving requirements.

Which is why I wish to enquire if, with his medical history, he would, if not should, be permitted to fly ?

[akindofmagic]

https://www.caa.co.uk/Aeromedical-Examiners/Medical-standards/Pilots-(EASA)/Conditions/Psychiatry/Psychiatry-guidance-material-GM/

Having a look through that is probably the best bet in the first instance. However, as is always the case, a definitive answer could only be given by the CAA. Any certification would almost certainly require consultant reports, and evaluation by a CAA psychiatrist.

[obgraham]

In the US, this person would not qualify for a FAA Class 3 medical.

Though I'm no authority, I expect CAA is not significantly different.

[parkfell]

Light aircraft flying in the UK no longer needs a CAA class two medical.
There are options whereby the standard required for driving cars is the standard required for recreational flying.
Your friend's flying club will be able to provide the options available given his mental health issues.

Discussion with his GP would also be appropriate to ensure that all the bases are covered.

Following the German wings, you will understand why mental health issues are in the forefront of the regulator's considerations as to fitness to fly.

[pulse1]

The CAA self declaration form specifically rules out:

"Bipolar disorder, psychosis or a diagnosis of personality disorder"

Your friend will have to consult an Aeromedical Examiner approved by the CAA

[Krystal n chips]

My thanks for the informative replies so far. :ok:

Whilst I'd read the CAA requirements, as a former engineer I'm well aware CAA documents can be open to interpretation. Hence I thought asking the question would provide more direct answers which has proven to be the case.

I was reasonably certain his condition would negate gaining a PPL however, if he declared it of course.

The hard part will be convincing him it's in everybody's best interests if he ceases flying training. Despite his condition, he actually holds a responsible job but as I say, the responsibly for flying an aircraft is entirely different as we know.

[abgd]

What of microlights/nppl?

[RatherBeFlying]

The definition of "personality disorder" is highly elastic. We all have our idiosyncrasies, including CAA docs.

The strangest person I know is a forensic psychiatrist.

Listening to the local radio, I heard a doc say that one out of six people have been prescribed a psychotropic medication. Does that mean that none of these people should ever fly?

[gingernut]

I heard a doc say that one out of six people have been prescribed a psychotropic medication.

it could actually be higher. I have had the privilege of sitting in front of (40+) patients a day for the last 20 odd years. It's probably fair to say that mental health issues were probably the biggest component in about 40% of my consultations. And to be honest, around about 100% of them, (and my colleagues) have had issues at some time in their life.

The last thing that is helpful is stigmatisation.

Having said all that, the aviation medical authorities do have a duty to not only protect the pilot, but protect the public to.

I'm not a psychiatrist, but there are some slightly concerning features in the post above that do raise some amber flags.