I was denied a 1st class Medical 2 years ago and I want to re-apply

[ryanp55]

A little under 2 years ago, at the age of 20 I was denied a first class medical as I was intending to pursue flight school. I was denied after having been subscribed an anti depressant to treat minor depression but I never actually took the medication. I was also denied due to usage of marijuana whilst in my fraternity at school. At the time they had told me to go through some evaluations regarding both of these issues and to report back to hopefully get cleared for my medical.

Instead of going through with these things, a career path unrelated to aviation came up and I have pursued it ever since. Now, 2 years later, I have decided I want to seriously pursue flying as a career instead of continuing on the path I am on. If I am to fill out a new application, I am willing to meet with neurological specialists/other specialists and take all of the steps to earn a first class medical.

My questions are: does failing my initial medical for these reasons make a significant impact on whether I am denied a first class medical yet again? Does anyone have any opinions on whether or not I will have to go through with meeting with specialists like they had requested initially? Or, is 2 years without incident regarding these issues enough to gain a certification without having to go through these steps?

Any advice/feedback is greatly appreciated!

 

[bflynn]

Your previous failed medical is part of your record with FAA Medical. You're on the correct track. Be sure you answers track with before and that you've consulted with the AME before you submit the exam on what testing and evaluations you need to do. Have those tests in hand, at the same time and do the medical right away. It takes coordination, because the tests have to be recent (90 days) and the packet might wait a little bit in the FAA's hands.

With a good AME, it's possible they could pre-clear you and issue in office. The other outcome is going into an ongoing monitoring program.

I can vouch for Dr Chien / @bbchien as an excellent person to help. There are other Senior AMEs.

 

[bbchien]

Ryanp55: whtne the AME pulls up your file it will be locked by the earlier denial.

Are you now verifiably abstinent? (and for how long)
And the DURATION and length of the depression (including if had had, any prior episode, even w/o treatment) really matters.

Have you got your old medical record?