Can I obtain an EASA class 1 medical with family history of mental ilness?
Thread Starter
Joined: Aug 2024
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From: France
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!
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!
Joined: Dec 2005
Aviation Qualifications: ATPL
Posts: 4,970
Likes: 326
From: Hong Kong
I find it highly unlikely that you would fail an initial for the reasons given, especially if you have no history yourself. I declared that my father had TB and my grandfather had heart disease and it had no effect on my medical.
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 1,171
Likes: 119
From: uk
https://www.easa.europa.eu/sites/def...ents-Jun20.pdf
Have a browse through this. It gives the rules for medical fitness, inc AMC (Alternative Method of Compliance). Ultimately you will only find out by applying for a Class 1 - good luck.
As for airline interviews my guess is that they will be more interested in how you dealt/deal with it rather than the event itself. 16 years ago a friend took his own life - his son is now an airline Cp.
Hth
Have a browse through this. It gives the rules for medical fitness, inc AMC (Alternative Method of Compliance). Ultimately you will only find out by applying for a Class 1 - good luck.
As for airline interviews my guess is that they will be more interested in how you dealt/deal with it rather than the event itself. 16 years ago a friend took his own life - his son is now an airline Cp.
Hth
