Have you heard about the Jet Blue Air Transport Pilot that had a breakdown in the cockpit?
After speaking with some expert flight surgeons of the FAA it is crystal clear, if you have taken ADHD medications in the last 3-5 months, any medication for ADHD, then I as an examiner will not be able to certify you. That decision will rest solely with the FAA and the Aviation Medical Certification Division in Oklahoma City.
Why? Simple, it is not just that you used the medication, it is the condition. This issue is coming up more and more in my aviation medical practice. As youngsters come in, looking to go to a professional school or just for a third class, they inevitably list their Focalin or Adderall or Concerta.......
Before you ever see me, you need to do this; Assemble all of your records, because the FAA wants to know you are psychiatrically stable and will not have a breakdown in the cockpit. Which inevitably means, you need to stop the medication and show you can focus without the medication.
So, take my advice. Stop the medication well in advance of your flight physical and show me your medical records, I will call OKC to help you. But, the FAA will need to see that you are a stable airman. Which, give the recent Jet Blue fiasco, is certainly understandable. Come see us and we can help!
