Childhood ADD & which Certificate at beginning of training?

Parasite

Parasite

New Member
Just two quick questions: (1) I had ADD as a child and took ritalin for less then a year (Taken in 5th grade, stopped at the beginning of 6th grade, I'm 23 now) and was curious if this will be an issue? As in, will my medical get deferred for that because it was so long ago and for such a short period of time or will my AME most likely not even care?

(2) I'm just starting flight training and was curious if it's generally better to get a 3rd class medical or a 1st class medical (I am training in hopes of becoming a professional pilot in the future)?

Thanks to all who respond!
 
Re: Childhood ADD & which Certificate at beginning of traini

Yoy will have to report it and the FAA will want to review the records. The AME should not issue the certificate but defer te decision to the FAA.

If you are going to be a professional pilot, get a Class 1 medical first so you know there are no issues with certification.
 
Re: Childhood ADD & which Certificate at beginning of traini

Well I'm back. My childhood doctor is most likely retired (He was pretty elderly back then...) and the office he owned no longer exists. What is the FAA going to want me to do after I get my medical deferred? I have it scheduled for next Tuesday and I'd like to get as much to the AME as possible when I visit him. I just don't see there being a way for me to get ahold of my records.
Thanks!
 
Re: Childhood ADD & which Certificate at beginning of traini

At this point, you will just have to wait to see what they require. On the 8500-8 make a notation he is retired and the records are not available.

They may approve the medical or they may ask for a new evaluation.
 
Re: Childhood ADD & which Certificate at beginning of traini

Alright, thanks for the info. Very much appreciate your help.
 
Re: Childhood ADD & which Certificate at beginning of traini

ouch. i was diagnosed in the second grade and took meds all the way through middle school? how much would that hurt my chances.
 
Re: Childhood ADD & which Certificate at beginning of traini

SkyBlue said:
ouch. i was diagnosed in the second grade and took meds all the way through middle school? how much would that hurt my chances.
Click to expand...

You just need to gather copies of your medical records and have a current statement from your physicina regarding any signs of ADD andsubmit them to the FAA for review.
 
Re: Childhood ADD & which Certificate at beginning of traini

They wanted me to take Ritalin in the 5th grade also. They wanted me to take it and see if my concentration improved to see if I needed a prescription and ADD diagnosis, but I never took any and threw the pills away so I was never diagnosed. I figured it would just lead to trouble when I started flying, I guess I figured right.
 
Re: Childhood ADD & which Certificate at beginning of traini

Lucky.

I took ritalin for 2 years and then I finally got sick of taking them. I hated those pills.

I just went and saw my AME a couple days ago. Passed the 1st class medical just fine, now just have to see what the FAA will say. He doesn't think there will be any problems because I've been off it for so long (stopped at 10). I also noted on the form like Dr. Forred suggested that "Outgrew at age 10 - Doctor retired. Medical records unavailable." The AME just asked me about it and took down notes to send the FAA.

Hopefully they send me the certificate in the mail. It's going to suck if they want me to do testing or something. *sigh*
 
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