First Class Medical - Can I even get one?

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DanThePilotMan

Filing Flight Plan
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Jan 1, 2025
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DanThePilotMan
Hello! Wanting to get everyone’s opinion on my situation. I basically want to know if I’m even going to get my class one medical, after jumping through all these hoops.

I have a history with ADHD. I haven’t taken meds in 3 years. So I’ll have to go through the standard track, that I feel is straight forward. As long as I pass the cog test with the HIMS Neurophysiologist, I should be able to get 1st class.

I had some “depression” about 7 years ago. The docs tried to give me meds, but I didn’t take them and on my medical records it shows that I told them I didn’t need them and I felt better. I believe only one prescription was prescribed. I assume this would qualify under the depression fast track?

Now here is the kicker. I have a history of supraventricular tachycardia. I’ve had only a few episodes in my life. The last time I saw a doctor for it they gave me a 7 day halter, and they only recorded one instance of SVT for 14 beats, then it went back to normal. I have never lost consciousness, or anything. I don’t remember the last time I’ve had an episode, it’s been years. The only time I have had episodes, they have only lasted a few seconds. I know I have to do the 24 hour halter and a CVE protocol. Is it even possible to get a special issuance for this? Would I have to go through it every year to get my first class? I’m wanting to make a career change to be an airline pilot.

I want to submit everything the FAA needs the first time, so I don’t have to wait 7-12 months multiple times.

Thanks for the help and guidance. I truly appreciate it.
 
Dan you'll have to substantiate the one and only antidepressive Rx- and you do that with a ten year pharmacy vendor report, that contains the one and only Rx, issuance.

SVT: You'll need a current Holter and current office eval by a cardiologist (within 90 days prior to application), Echocardiogram, but no treadmill run.
.....The rest appears surmountable.
 
Last edited:
bbchien said:
Dan you'll have to substantiate the one and only andtdepressive Rx- and you do that with a ten year pharmacy vendor report, that contains the one and only Rx, issuance.

SVT: You'll need a current Holter and current office eval by a cardiologist (within 90 days prior to application), Echocardiogram, but no treadmill run.
.....The rest appears surmountable.
Click to expand...
Awesome! Great news. Sounds like as long as the cardiologist appt goes good, I should be able to get a first class then. Thank you very much for the response!
 
DanThePilotMan said:
Hello! Wanting to get everyone’s opinion on my situation. I basically want to know if I’m even going to get my class one medical, after jumping through all these hoops.

I have a history with ADHD. I haven’t taken meds in 3 years. So I’ll have to go through the standard track, that I feel is straight forward. As long as I pass the cog test with the HIMS Neurophysiologist, I should be able to get 1st class.

I had some “depression” about 7 years ago. The docs tried to give me meds, but I didn’t take them and on my medical records it shows that I told them I didn’t need them and I felt better. I believe only one prescription was prescribed. I assume this would qualify under the depression fast track?

Now here is the kicker. I have a history of supraventricular tachycardia. I’ve had only a few episodes in my life. The last time I saw a doctor for it they gave me a 7 day halter, and they only recorded one instance of SVT for 14 beats, then it went back to normal. I have never lost consciousness, or anything. I don’t remember the last time I’ve had an episode, it’s been years. The only time I have had episodes, they have only lasted a few seconds. I know I have to do the 24 hour halter and a CVE protocol. Is it even possible to get a special issuance for this? Would I have to go through it every year to get my first class? I’m wanting to make a career change to be an airline pilot.

I want to submit everything the FAA needs the first time, so I don’t have to wait 7-12 months multiple times.

Thanks for the help and guidance. I truly appreciate it.
Click to expand...
Had my first class deferred for ADHD and Depression in mid July. Been waiting 6 months for mine
 
Powers6.7 said:
Had my first class deferred for ADHD and Depression in mid July. Been waiting 6 months for mine
Click to expand...
AOPA told me FAA is taking 7-12 months on deferrals. I would suggest joining AOPA and working with their medical team if you aren’t. They will call and bug the FAA twice a week, they told me it helps.
 
Powers6.7 said:
I’m in the AOPA with the medical division. And trust me I bug them every 2 weeks too. Annette has been very helpful for me throughout this process
Click to expand...
My HIMS AME said to just bug the FAA myself, vs. AOPA. I guess I’ll do both! :thumbsup:
 
bbchien said:
Dan you'll have to substantiate the one and only antidepressive Rx- and you do that with a ten year pharmacy vendor report, that contains the one and only Rx, issuance.

SVT: You'll need a current Holter and current office eval by a cardiologist (within 90 days prior to application), Echocardiogram, but no treadmill run.
.....The rest appears surmountable.
Click to expand...
@bbchien One last question. With this being for a first class medical, once I get the green light from the FAA, will I be required to do all of this over again each year? Or do I get a one time issuance then I’m good moving forward?
 
DanThePilotMan said:
@bbchien One last question. With this being for a first class medical, once I get the green light from the FAA, will I be required to do all of this over again each year? Or do I get a one time issuance then I’m good moving forward?
Click to expand...
unfortunately Dr Chien looks to have left this space due to certain individuals behavior. . .
But in response to your question - if you have a SI - you will have to comply with the terms of the SI. They usually dont require the entire COGscreen going forward, but they may require ongoing visits to your doc.
 
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