Can you get a FAA medical with anxiety?

Typically, whether you can obtain your FAA medical with past anxiety comes down to the level of risk for recurrence of symptoms. If your anxiety was limited in time, you responded well to medication treatment (if any), and medication was discontinued, the required elements for treatment may be relatively simple.


Is anxiety disqualifying for FAA medical?

To fly, pilots must have a medical certificate approved by an FAA aviation medical examiner (AME). Under the current guidelines, depression, anxiety, and similarly categorized psychological conditions don't lead to automatic disqualification.

What disqualifies you from a FAA medical exam?

Unless otherwise directed by the FAA, the Examiner must deny or defer if the applicant has a history of: (1) Diabetes mellitus requiring hypoglycemic medication; (2) Angina pectoris; (3) Coronary heart disease that has been treated or, if untreated, that has been symptomatic or clinically significant; (4) Myocardial ...


Can you become a pilot with diagnosed anxiety?

The FAA encourages pilots to seek help if they have a mental health condition since most, if treated, do not disqualify a pilot from flying.

Can you get a FAA medical on antidepressants?

Item 47. Psychiatric Conditions. The use of a psychotropic drug is disqualifying for aeromedical certification purposes. This includes all sedatives, tranquilizers, antipsychotic drugs, antidepressant drugs (including SSRI's - see exceptions), analeptics, anxiolytics, and hallucinogens.


Pilot Minute: What should I do if I have depression or anxiety?



Can you take anxiety meds and be a pilot?

The SSRI pathway only allows consideration for pilots who take fluoxetine (Prozac), citalopram (Celexa), escitalopram (Lexapro), or sertraline (Zoloft). Other antidepressants do not have a Special Issuance pathway. It does not matter if the antidepressant was taken for a medical problem.

What medications disqualify you from being a pilot?

Does the FAA have a list of prescription and over-the-counter drugs that pilots can and cannot take while flying?
  • Tranquilizers, such as but not limited to Valium, Librium, Ativan.
  • Most antidepressants. ...
  • Opiates, such as Morphine, Codeine, Lortab, Percodan, Oxycontin.
  • Muscle relaxants, such as Soma, Sonata, Flexeril.


Is Xanax FAA approved?

The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association has a list of these medications that are not allowed for pilots who hold FAA-issued medical certificates, because the FAA has determined that they have the potential to interfere with the safe operation of an aircraft. Xanax is one of these medications.


What happens if the FAA denies your medical?

If the AMCD or the RFS deny an applicant based on a medical condition that is specifically disqualifying as set forth under Part 67, the denial is final and may be appealed to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).

What is checked during FAA medical exam?

Your FAA medical exam will generally take about 30 minutes and the medical examiner will do a physical examination checking areas such as your eyesight, hearing, lung function and others.

What medical conditions prevent you from being a flight attendant?

Applicants must have a healthy blood count that shows sign of no anemia, infections, HIV or Hepatitis C, according to Flight Attendant Central. A vaccination record is also required along with a chest X-ray.


How do you prove anxiety as a disability?

If you apply for disability benefits under Anxiety-Related Disorders, you can prove your case through medical records, letters and reports from your doctor, and your own testimony.

Is anxiety a qualifying condition?

Anxiety disorder is the first new qualifying condition added since June 2019. The Medical Cannabis Program was created under the Lynn and Erin Compassionate Use Act.

Is anxiety a qualifying disability?

Is Anxiety a Disability? Anxiety disorders such as obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorders, phobias or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are considered a disability by the Social Security Administration (SSA).


Can you do a flight review without a medical?

You do not need a current medical during the flight review as long as the flight instructor agrees to be the acting PIC, or if you are operating as a sport pilot with a current and valid U.S. driver's license in lieu of a medical. You cannot fail a flight review.

Can a private pilot fly without a medical?

To assure a pilot is fit to fly, the FAA requires a valid FAA medical certificate in addition to a pilot certificate to fly. Annual inspections are performed on all aircraft to assure that they meet minimum safety standards. Routine FAA medical exams accomplish the same goal for pilots.

How long does an FAA violation stay on your record?

Legal Enforcement Actions by the FAA can take the form of revocation, suspension, or monetary penalties which will remain on your record for five years.


What can I take for flying anxiety?

Pharmacological treatment

These drugs are usually taken shortly before a flight. They include: Anti-anxiety medication, such as diazepam (Valium) or alprazolam (Xanax). Motion sickness medication, such as dimenhydrinate (Dramamine).

Can the FAA see my prescriptions?

The FAA does not release medical information without an order from a court of competent jurisdiction, written permission from the individual to whom it applies, or, with the individual's knowledge, during litigation of matters related to certification.

How to get anxiety medication for flying?

“It's important to have a good primary care physician who is willing to prescribe an anti-anxiety medication just prior to travel, which might be helpful for those with true anxiety disorders. Find a provider who is willing to listen to where the anxiety is coming from and diagnose appropriately,” Elliot recommends.


Can pilots be on ADHD meds?

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder ( ADHD ), formerly called Attention Deficit Disorder ( ADD ), and medications used for treatment may result in cognitive deficits that would make an airman unsafe to perform pilot duties.

Can you be a pilot if you take Adderall?

Commonly-prescribed Disqualifying ADHD Meds you cannot take if you want to fly: Adderall. Concerta. Ritalin.

Can airline pilots be on antidepressants?

The FAA has determined that airmen or FAA Air Traffic Control Specialists (FAA ATCS) requesting medical certificates while being treated with one of four specific selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) may be considered. The Authorization decision is made on a case-by-case basis. The Examiner may not issue.


Is Zoloft FAA approved?

The four SSRI's approved for use by the FAA are fluoxetine (Prozac®), sertraline (Zoloft®), Citalopram (Celexa®) and escitalopram (Lexapro®).