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In fact, the data shows a large majority of people with depression/anxiety/use of antidepressants and go thru the steps required by the FAA will ultimately get issued a certificate.

Sounds like you've been on longer than 6 months, therefore 'situational depression' does not apply to you. Also you will be in the category of use of medications less than 2 years ago so the new policy discussed above also won't apply to you. So you have two options: 1. Get off the med and...

This new modification/addition to the policy is specifically for the airman/airman applicant that is currently deferred for a mental health condition. They've also removed the term 'uncomplicated' depression. Check out: ‍...

Not issuable at time of exam. Issuable after deferral. Unless you can apply situational depression or uncomplicated anxiety/depression pathways. Then the AME may issue, but most of the policies are somewhat challenging for non-HIMS AME's to navigate and will likely lead to deferral in most cases.

Hey, I'm a HIMS AME. Here's the summary: On 5/29/2024, the FAA released some big policy updates for pilots/applicants with history of uncomplicated depression and anxiety. As in most government policy, the devil really is in the details. But in summary, if you meet very specific criteria and...

The list is for anxiety and situational depression. ADHD has its own pathways.

Not exactly...lots of additional details and criteria need be applied.

Have you spoken to your treating provider about discontinuing the medication entirely or moving to another FAA conditionally approved one?

Not sure I'd agree with that. I've had at least 3 patients who were very well controlled on Cymbalta and once we tried changing them to one of the OG 'conditionally approved' antidepressants, these patients symptoms returned. Ultimately they had to give up on their pursuit of aviation. But now...

Today the FAA published the newest AME guide and made some big updates to the depression/antidepressant protocol. In addition to three new antidepressants [duloxetine (Cymbalta) venlafaxine (Effexor), desvenlafaxine (Pristiq)] being added to the 'conditionally approved' (requires special...

Sorry Paul. I think I confused matters. You are correct semaglutide can be injected or ingested orally. What I was referring to was one big difference is what the medication is being used to treat. If it's treating Diabetes, it will require a special issuance. I used the phrase 'diabetes treated...

Sounds like ADHD Fast Track pathway all the way assuming no other psychiatric diagnoses or issues!

Shack (though seems he's more in category B than C...)

It's still fairly new so a lot of AME's either aren't aware of it or comfortable using it yet. Although not necessary, I'd recommend finding a good HIMS AME if the medical concern is related at all to mental health or substance use.

Clearly, many pilots are frustrated with the FAA's policy on history of mental health conditions (primarily ADHD & depression/anxiety). But there have been many changes in the last few years that seem to be removing barriers and reducing stigma in the area of mental health. A few examples: *...

Diabetes treated with oral medication (like Ozempic/semaglutide) will require a special issuance. But the chances for certification and SI are generally high. If using this medication for weight loss, there will a short time down after starting the med or any dose changes, but otherwise, you...

Typically the required tox screen is a urine sample. re

Do some research into the new ADHD Fast Track pathway. You may qualify. And if so, it will be quicker and cheaper than the older 'Standard Track' to get certified.

Last fall, the FAA just created a new ADHD 'Fast Track' pathway for pilots who meet 2 specific criteria: 1. No history of other psychiatric/mental health condition (anxiety, depression, PTSD, substance use disorder, etc...) 2. No treatment or symptoms for 4 or more years. If you meet these...

You should find a good HIMS AME or other experienced AME to discuss your specific case. Assuming you meant 0.091 BAC and a few other conditions, there is a chance you could still be issued a certificate on day of exam if you disclose. It's also possible you'd have a short deferral, but if the...