I think I'm barred from flying any plane, ever :(
 

I have OCD. I've been on Luvox and Abilify for two years now. This September, I attempted suicide because of low moods/depression. The doctor my dad talked to said that because of my background, I won't ever fly any planes, even for fun. (No PPL.)

Is this true? I can't find any information on Transport Canada's website about if I can fly AFTER I get off the meds. If it matters, I'm doing a LOT better nowadays. My mood is great.

EDIT: So I researched further, and I think that at least for the FAA, you have to be off meds for at least 6 months, or be on the meds and be in stable health. Correct me if I'm wrong.

I think I'm barred from flying any plane, ever :(
 

I would encourage you to speak with an AME certified for HIMS. You can locate one in your area through faa.gov for the U.S.

You can choose to share your history with him to see if any pathway exists for you to obtain a medical.

I am unable to suggest a Canadian solution since I don't know.

Feel free to PM me too.

The US is far ahead of Canada in this regard but there's no point giving up yet. You want to talk to a medical examiner and find out exactly what the rules say. If they just say you can't get a medical but can't point you to the exact rule that applies to exactly your situation, go see a different medical examiner.

Mrboeing

I think the fact you have spoken out about your condition speaks volumes for your personal courage in seeking help.

As discussed above find a medical examiner who will lead you in the direction for your next phase.

I have known of line pilots who were clinically depressed who were off the line for a year but are back being productive pilots. I have no recollection of the specifics of their treatment but I am sure it required some form of medication/therapy.

There have been huge advances in aviation medicine not too long ago if you had a heart attack you could not life now after certain conditions are met you can. The same is true with certain types of diabetes. I could go on but remember yours is "medical" condition which through treatment I am sure will allow you to follow your path of your choosing.

On a personal note some 43 years ago I failed a initial medical for a major airline and the Doctor of the day said glasses would preclude me from flying a jet airplane, preclude from ever holding A.T.P.L., and I had bad teeth! I can assure you I have flown 7 types of jet aircraft (type rated on 3 heavy jets), held a A.T.P.L and as far as my teeth go I have 3 crowns;)! The medical concluded in a rather abrupt fashion when the Doctor said my glasses could be knocked off my face if a Canada Goose came through the windshield to which I said this would be the least of my worries as my head would be be back in the toilets of economy!

In closing the only road blocks in life are the ones you place in front of yourself

Feel free to PM if required

MrB,

First, glad that you're still with us. Second, I'm not aware of any regulations that prohibit you from flying. I know of an RCAF pilot who had a mental health issue and also attempted suicide. Fortunately he was not successful and was able to get the help that he needed. Once the flight surgeon cleared him to do so, he returned to flying duties. I'm thinking that once you're medically cleared I see no reason why you could not fly.

Don't give up.

A few years back, I watched in open-mouthed wonder as a training captain for a major airline in Canada, testified under oath in court that he suffered from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, and that when he experienced pressure, he would run away and lock himself in the bathroom, presumably leaving the kid in the right seat to fly the aircraft by himself.

I am not making this up. I still have the transcript, somewhere.

If he can fly left seat - and teach new airline pilots - you can, too!

Hey guys,

thanks for the encouragement and advice, I really appreciate it. I really should get a solid answer from someone who knows about health and aviation.

I sent you a private message.

Best of luck.
Hope it all works out for you.

Thats pretty ridiculous. I wish you the best and really hope it works out!

I don't believe it is appropriate for anyone to be peeing in your pocket and telling you its not wet.

I've seen some very serious disablements occur and then go flying. I can think of one Transport Canada inspector who had a heart attack and within a few weeks he was back flying.. That blew me away.

Unfortunately, your odds of passing a medical in the future are on the very low side to remote.

On the basis of your information it would knock you out of a First Class FAA medical automatically and in Canada it would take some very convincing EXPERT opinion to be provided to the Doctors at Transport Canada who would give it a very close look.

The good news is at least you can admit you had or have a problem. The most serious mental health problems are where it is unrecognized.

We all have to assess ourselves or ask someone to assess us if and when we are under stress.

Sharing with your co-pilot of captain that you are under a great deal of stress for example gives the other crew member an opportunity to watch you carefully and if need, send you home.

I've seen many pilots "sent home" and it is accepted that for short periods of time even months or years if there is no mediation of self excluding from work to get over what is called
"Reactive Disorders".

When you are on anti-depressant medication for over 3 months , it does place you in a more difficult category. When its over a year, what does 2 years matter?

While I would never rule out a return to flying commercially, you could, if you pass yourself , get another opinion, then go for the Expert Medical opinion that will cost you for a shot at it.

On what you provided, your chances of getting a Class One Medical in any country is on the very low probability scale.

For your own interest, and decision making, assess yourself carefully, then get an objective opinion from a flight instructor of how you are performing practically and then its off to the shrink and it better be one that the TC Doctors will accept.

Your next problem be validating the expert's qualifications and experience. Not every professional will be acceptable.

If you are in Toronto the CMIH is a good place to start.

The bottom line for all pilots is, don't be sucked in to addictive unnecessary medications that can destroy your medical.

Do NOT take vitamin or herbal supplements unless you carefully research and get expert advice.

Sleep Supplements like Melatonin are dangerous hormones that can trigger serious mental health problems. The dosage recommended at the health food store per tablet is 5 x the recommended dosage and in excess its guaranteed to cause bad side effects.

Ramjet- what are your references backing up saying that a medical clearance is low to remote?

Canuck51:

"A few years back, I watched in open-mouthed wonder as a training captain for a major airline in Canada, testified under oath in court that he suffered from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, and that when he experienced pressure, he would run away and lock himself in the bathroom, presumably leaving the kid in the right seat to fly the aircraft by himself.

I am not making this up. I still have the transcript, somewhere."

Not the first time you've posted this nonsense online, although your story interestingly enough does change over time and that elusive transcript never actually makes an appearance. You also conveniently failed to point out that said airline captain was instrumental in having your ass hauled before a Transport Canada tribunal where no fewer than five of your fellow airshow contestants testified that your flying was "ill-advised, irresponsible, dangerous, and had the potential for a serious accident." You also got your head handed to you on a platter last time you tried this crap on that "other site." (See AVCANADA ? View topic - Big Jet Pilots). Mind you, that was 2-3 pseudonyms ago, well prior to your perma-ban.

All that said: assuming you actually have such a transcript, please do follow through and post it. I'm pretty sure you can't.

MrBoeing.

You must find out through official channels only whether you can fly or not. Do not assume anything. If you get turned down - keep trying. Two rules in this business I've learned from first hand experience:

1. Don't believe anything unless it comes from the horse's mouth, and;
2. If that horse blocks your path find a different horse.

I wouldn't have flown fighters or even been a professional pilot of I listened to the first three horses who said I couldn't do that.

Canuck51: I call BS.

Mrboeing,

Even in the worst case scenario, you can always fly with a pilot friend or instructor sitting on the right seat, while you do all the flying. There are many pilots and even aircraft owners who do this after they lose their medicals.

So don't give up, there's always a way. Take care of your health and things will work out.

There is the "dreaded" thread drift here.

Please confine your remarks (like the majority has) as support for Mrboeing as before you comment think of the analogy "of walking a mile in the shoes"...

Thread delated due modification of previous thread, thus no longer aplicable.

MrBoeing,

It sounds to me that your objective is to fly, a worthy goal, and you're in the right place to discuss it. I have not walked the mile in your shoes, and have no idea about meds medicals (as applicable to this situation) and so forth. I have nothing to offer on that side of things. I do know about "getting into aviation" though.

Start (or continue) slow and steady. Align yourself with a mentor, or small group (perhaps help with an amateur build or restoration project). Pitch in with their project. Focus less on your end goal of piloting right now, and more on the goal of getting involved, and being a part of something aviation. Any time you're working around planes, you're among people who fly them - show them that they can respect your enthusiasm and commitment, and they will...

This will mean dedication, and lots of your time and effort. But two things reward you from that: No matter what team effort you're involved in in aviation, you can't help but learn, and there are endless things to learn in this industry. Secondly, your effort and dedication in any group is reflected back to you, you'll get back what you put in - though sometimes you've got to put in a bit extra for a while first.

Your commitment to aviation, and dedication to whatever you get involved in could well become a really positive focus for you, and give you inspiration to work forward positively toward your long term goals. After a while, you may find that the things you want for yourself are just evolving around you, much to your liking....