Class 1 medical - SSRIs/depression
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Joined: Jun 2025
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From: Southampton
Class 1 medical - SSRIs/depression
I'm applying for a UK (CAA) Class 1 medical and have an appointment with an AME.
I take moderate dose Zoloft/Sertraline, for depression and OCD. My condition is manageable at the moment, and I don't think it will affect my ability to train as / be a pilot (I'm 18 and want to join flight school and train as a pilot). My depressive/anxious symptoms are mild.
From my research and reading of CAA guidelines, taking SSRIs or being depressed is not unqualifying, and I might still get a class 1. But I'd like hearing from anyone knowledgable on this.
(if helpful, i live in southern england)
I take moderate dose Zoloft/Sertraline, for depression and OCD. My condition is manageable at the moment, and I don't think it will affect my ability to train as / be a pilot (I'm 18 and want to join flight school and train as a pilot). My depressive/anxious symptoms are mild.
From my research and reading of CAA guidelines, taking SSRIs or being depressed is not unqualifying, and I might still get a class 1. But I'd like hearing from anyone knowledgable on this.
(if helpful, i live in southern england)
Joined: Dec 2000
Aviation Qualifications: ATPL
Posts: 1,271
Likes: 40
From: Various
Took them for years on a class 1. Expect to be monitored with 6 monthly (expensive) visits to Gatwick for a 20 minute interview (19 minutes filling forms). The CAA seems to actively encourage a return to work, on the premise that anyone willing to admit a problem and seek help is better than someone hiding their issues.
(40 Citalopram)
(40 Citalopram)
Joined: Aug 2011
Aviation Qualifications: Spotter
Posts: 3
Likes: 2
From: UK
I lost my medical and career to depression and anxiety 15 years ago. At that time any medication meant loss of medical. I'm fully recovered but now 65 so too old to fly professionally. I'm hoping to regain my PPL soon so will get a class two medical before I spend any money on training.
Joined: Jul 2025
Posts: 4
Likes: 1
From: London
I'm applying for a UK (CAA) Class 1 medical and have an appointment with an AME.
I take moderate dose Zoloft/Sertraline, for depression and OCD. My condition is manageable at the moment, and I don't think it will affect my ability to train as / be a pilot (I'm 18 and want to join flight school and train as a pilot). My depressive/anxious symptoms are mild.
From my research and reading of CAA guidelines, taking SSRIs or being depressed is not unqualifying, and I might still get a class 1. But I'd like hearing from anyone knowledgable on this.
(if helpful, i live in southern england)
I take moderate dose Zoloft/Sertraline, for depression and OCD. My condition is manageable at the moment, and I don't think it will affect my ability to train as / be a pilot (I'm 18 and want to join flight school and train as a pilot). My depressive/anxious symptoms are mild.
From my research and reading of CAA guidelines, taking SSRIs or being depressed is not unqualifying, and I might still get a class 1. But I'd like hearing from anyone knowledgable on this.
(if helpful, i live in southern england)
Joined: May 2026
Aviation Qualifications: Military (Retired)
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: UK
Hi all,
I'm looking at this situation now myself - applying for an initial CAA Class 1 medical with past SSRI use (treatment ended about five years ago and been fine since). I'm optimistic that I will eventually get the medical clearance eventually, based on what I've read here and on the CAA website. That said, does anyone have any insight into how lengthy and expensive this process could be, and/or any recent experiences you're willing to share? Thanks!
I'm looking at this situation now myself - applying for an initial CAA Class 1 medical with past SSRI use (treatment ended about five years ago and been fine since). I'm optimistic that I will eventually get the medical clearance eventually, based on what I've read here and on the CAA website. That said, does anyone have any insight into how lengthy and expensive this process could be, and/or any recent experiences you're willing to share? Thanks!
