SPECIAL ISSUANCE for ANTIDEPRESSANTS

From Harvey Watt & Co.:

As of February 23, 2011:
  • The final total number of Pilots who took advantage of the amnesty program was twenty (20),
  • Seven (7) Pilots have been granted a SIA by the Federal Air Surgeon to fly under the new program.
Please note, that these numbers cover all (First, Second, and Third Class) Pilots, not just the commercial types.
:D


 
exneophyte said:
Anyone hear of any approvals yet?
Click to expand...

I recently qualified under the new SSRI protocol for a 1st class medical certificate. From application submission to approval took a bit over 4 months. As Dr. Forred mentions, the renewal process is designed to be much more streamlined.
 
Doc,
If I was put on SSRI's primarily to help gain weight and have been off it for 5 years and they make me take their tests, do I have to retake the test again every 6 months if I stay off the SSRI's?
 
I am surprised if you had to get a Special issuance. You have not provided enough information to allow me to give an adequate answer.
 
I was checking out the FAA website and noticed the following information in the AME medical guide concerning the SSRI special issuance. The last line below would seem to indicate that they would consider this SI for conditions other than just depression. Is that correct or am I reading this wrong?


  1. The applicant has one of the following diagnoses:
    • Major depressive disorder (mild to moderate) either single episode or recurrent episode
    • Dysthymic disorder
    • Adjustment disorder with depressed mood
    • Any non-depression related condition for which the SSRI is used
 
The only diagnoses that are listed are:
1. Major Depressive Disorder (mild to moderate) either single episode or
recurrent episode
2. Dysthymic Disorder
3. Adjustment disorder with depressed mood
 
So should #4 not be there? I'm just curious since I just got this off the FAA website yesterday from what appeared to be the latest AME guide. Is it simply an error on the website?
 
Thanks for posting the link highspeed, that's the one. Now, the question still remains, what exactly does that fourth statement mean? Seems pretty broad which could still mean, even if they are opening it up a bit more, there are still some conditions that won't qualify for the SI (other than the ones specifically listed a little further down in on the page).
 
Thanks for posting. I had heard of a pilot with debilitating back pain that was helped only by an SSRI. Perhaps this would cover his sitation.
 
My latest update. I sent in all of my medical records, every visit, test, medication and counselling notes. I got a spirometer test for the allergic asthma, at the request of the FAA, that I have reported since my student certificate in 1995. That was about 2 months ago. I have been calling the FAA in Ok City every week for updates. The application is still under review was the only answer I received. Yesterday I called and was told there was a letter sent. They could not tell me what it stated but could fax it. The letter stated they could not yet proceed with my application. They wanted more information on " updated, current status report from your attending physician regarding your history of depression, to include interim history, prognosis, follow-up plan, type, dosage, frequency of use, and side effects of current medication (s), and results of current studies as deemed appropriate." All of which were covered in the previous 50 + pages of reports and notes that were sent!!! I do not understand what they want. So I called back, they told me that one of the Dr.s mentioned follow up plans, but they wanted more specifics. Any ideas? I went back and looked at all the notes. Nothing in there indicates any problems, no side effects and it seems all of my application has followed every guideline dictated by the FAA and they still want more. September will be 2 years without a medical and 1 year of application process.
Mother puss bucket!!!

Sorry about that, but it was nice to get that out of my system.. Now, what is the next letter I need to write? :banghead:
 
They want to know when the doctor plans on seeing you plus the additional items they requested. The final review is done in Washington.
 
Thanks Doc, I appreciate your insight. I have talked to my Doc and we are getting it ready to send.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top