KickTheTires
Well-Known Member
Hey this is my first time posting a thread on this site and i have an important question for you. I have been flying for about 6 months now. i have my private SEL and am about to be instrument rated. I took my medical examination 7 months ago and passed it with flying colors. I have no medical history of any illness, mental or physical. However, I have been dealing with what I believe is OCD for my entire life. I have never been diagnosed with it, but I took a psychology class in college and I fit the diagnosis to a "T". I think I may also have somewhat of a reading disability. Still, these things have never stopped me from doing anything in life, although I feel they may slow me down a bit. I graduated college this year, and despite the fact that I have these problems, I finished with a good GPA.
Now that I am flying, my OCD plays an annoying role mostly when I have to check things. I spend a longer than usual time doing my preflight inspection than most other pilots. I have obsessions about making sure the bolts are fastened, and making sure everything is absolutely perfect. These thoughts can be very distracting and can often take my focus away from what it should actually be on. Sometimes these obsessions will take my focus away from something, and I will forget to do the other things because I was distracted by these thoughts.
I am considering going in for a mental assessment by my family doctor. I don't think that my condition is sever enough to go on medications. i know if i go on medications, i will not be able to fly until i am off of them and have no more symptoms for three months. My goal is to get my commercial license and start a career, and I know this has the potential to de-rail it.
My question are: if the doctor does diagnose me with OCD, is the FAA going to take away my medical certificate based on my history of the problem? Even if I don't take any medications and just do psychological therepy? How can this effect my future?
Your answers will be greatly appreciated. Thanks everyone
Now that I am flying, my OCD plays an annoying role mostly when I have to check things. I spend a longer than usual time doing my preflight inspection than most other pilots. I have obsessions about making sure the bolts are fastened, and making sure everything is absolutely perfect. These thoughts can be very distracting and can often take my focus away from what it should actually be on. Sometimes these obsessions will take my focus away from something, and I will forget to do the other things because I was distracted by these thoughts.
I am considering going in for a mental assessment by my family doctor. I don't think that my condition is sever enough to go on medications. i know if i go on medications, i will not be able to fly until i am off of them and have no more symptoms for three months. My goal is to get my commercial license and start a career, and I know this has the potential to de-rail it.
My question are: if the doctor does diagnose me with OCD, is the FAA going to take away my medical certificate based on my history of the problem? Even if I don't take any medications and just do psychological therepy? How can this effect my future?
Your answers will be greatly appreciated. Thanks everyone