Yet another BasicMed question...

[privatepil0t]

I've had my PPL for a few years and I currenlty have a valid 3rd Class medical certificate. I'm a college student and haven't flown in about a year due to budget reasons and I don't have any intentions on flying commercially (CFI, CPL, etc).

I suspect that I might have undiagnosed ADD and I was wondering if I get diagnosed I would be able to continue flying with BasicMed so long as my physican determines I am safely able to operate an aircraft.

Based on the BasicMed forms ADD isn't listed as a condition that would require a SI before BasicMed is allowed to be used.

I've never had an issue flying and I have no problems focusing on flying the airplane. When I'm flying it's just me and the airplane everything else is left behind on the ground, I don't think about school, work or anything else I am 100% focused. I passed my written and checkride on my first go and have never had any pilot deviations or accidents in an aircraft (or a car as well).

If diagnosed and perscribed medication I would never fly while taking medication or fly when I don't feel fit to fly.

Being able to exercise my pilot certificate is very important to me as it is for most pilots.

Thanks for taking the time to read this and share your thoughts.

 

[azure]

If you have no problems focusing while flying an airplane, why do you think you might have undiagnosed ADD?

IANAAME, but to my understanding you are correct that the diagnosis in and of itself would not be disqualifying for BasicMed. Still, (and again, to my understanding, I am not a physician either), ADD meds are intended to be taken regularly, not on an "as needed" basis. So if you were prescribed meds, when would you be off them for long enough to be legal (or safe) to fly?

You say you are a college student... is there any chance you are having problems focusing on your studies and are looking to take stimulants to give you more persistence and ability to study for long stretches? There were some studies, a few years ago, that showed that these drugs can be effective for that even in people without ADD... but they are NOT safe to use that way and can raise blood pressure and cause heart arrhythmias and other unpleasant and even dangerous side effects.

Probably best to wait for Dr. Bruce or Dr. Lou to weigh in on this, but I think you are going to be disappointed.

 

[172andyou]

If diagnosed and perscribed medication I would never fly while taking medication or fly when I don't feel fit to fly.

We have legit ADHD in our family. Those individuals should not be pilots. Yes, I agree that it's over diagnosed and over medicated, but, equally, there really are people with ADHD.

Further, if you have it and are medicated then you are medicated. There is no taking a day off to go flying. That would wreck your brain and make you completely unfit to fly.

The good news is that since you aren't sure you have it, despite being in your 20's, you more than likely don't. Work on coping strategies for whatever symptoms you have and maybe you can improve some things without running the ADHD protocols.

 

[wsuffa]

The FAA is less concerned about the medication than they are the underlying diagnosis. ADD is something that will ground you.

 

[azure]

The FAA is less concerned about the medication than they are the underlying diagnosis. ADD is something that will ground you.

True for anyone flying on a 3rd class, but the OP is talking about BasicMed. I don't see where there is any regulatory prohibition there based on the diagnosis. But as everyone has said, flying on the meds is a different issue, and you can't take a day off to go flying.

Personally, as I wrote before, I suspect the OP is just looking for some legal study drugs.

 

[mscard88]

I currently have a student who is taking medication for ADD. FAA requested documentation so he sent his statement, and a sealed envelope with his Dr's comments and whatever else was requested from the treating physician. He claims his medical hasn't been pulled but until I see proof the FAA has cleared him I won't solo him. He's ready too, very sharp individual, and I hope he can get his situation cleared up. So we're continuing lessons while we wait.

 

[Palmpilot]

True for anyone flying on a 3rd class, but the OP is talking about BasicMed. I don't see where there is any regulatory prohibition there based on the diagnosis....

To avoid confusion for the OP (if he/she is still reading the thread): Under the regulations, in order to operate under BasicMed, the pilot still has to be safe to fly; he just doesn't have to deal with the federal bureaucracy to establish that. He has to disclose the diagnosis on the BasicMed form, and the examining physician would have to believe that the condition would not make the pilot unsafe to fly.

 

[Privatepil0t]

True for anyone flying on a 3rd class, but the OP is talking about BasicMed. I don't see where there is any regulatory prohibition there based on the diagnosis. But as everyone has said, flying on the meds is a different issue, and you can't take a day off to go flying.

Personally, as I wrote before, I suspect the OP is just looking for some legal study drugs.

I can assure you I am not looking for legal "study drugs". I believe that I "hyperfocus" while flying. I also hyper focus during other activities that I am very interested in as well sometimes.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hyperfocus

The reason I think I have add is because currently and looking back in my life I realize I've never been able to be organized, I'm late or forget appointments regularly, I've struggled in school throughout my live and in college my academic performance is at its worst without my parents driving me.

I'll know I need to study for a test and I'll tell myself I'm going to study wind up doing a bunch of other things and then it's time to take the test and I'm studying a half hour before its time to take the test. I've always had issues with missing assignments and not doing homework.

Speaking of which homework usually takes abnormally long to do for the same reason. Not as bad as when I was a kid but if I actually finish homework it takes a while to get done.l

I also start and never finish most of my projects. I'll have one hobby or project this week or even shorter and move on to something else.

This occurs with leisure also. Sometimes I'll want to play a video game but can't be bothered to learn how to play it or become disinterested quickly.

Last month I hyperfocused on doing JavaScript on codeacademy for hours on end I made it almost half way through and I still haven't found the interest to continue it though to the end.

There is an IT certification I'd like to get which would greatly help my career but it seems like a massive project I just can't get started.

I was going to start yesterday and ended up doing a bunch of other things before I realized the day was already over.

Sometimes I have to find my place again when reading for watching a video because I start thinking about other things. I also daydream quite a bit especially during "boring" commutes to school or work. I feel like I'm driving on autopilot. When I drive fast I'm very focused.

This occurs at both school and home. At work I usually don't have issues (other than being late all the time) as I work in IT and everything is usually small work tasks that are due within the same day.

I know at least one of my teachers in high school teachers suggested to my parents I might have ADHD but my parents didn't consider the possibility.

Maybe I'm just a lazy person?

 

[azure]

At the university where I teach, we have an office called the "Academic Achievement Center" that helps students with problems related to deficient study skills and/or self-discipline, as well as those with real medical problems that need special accommodations. They aren't physicians, but they can help sort out issues and recommend seeing a specialist when the problems are beyond their ability to help. Does your school have anything similar? I think most colleges do.

I had problems with focus and motivation when I was younger too - sometimes, I still do! If you really think this is a medical issue then by all means, get checked out by a competent specialist. Your health has to come first before flying, so if this is a real concern then go for it. But be ready to accept the possibility that, if you do have this condition, you might have to give up flying as part of your life, especially if you are prescribed meds for it. The drugs that are used for this are generally accepted to be not compatible with aviation -- and the condition as well, if it is severe enough, would make you unsafe to fly whether you realize it or not.

Hopefully, you don't have the condition!

 

[Brad Z]

I can assure you I am not looking for legal "study drugs". I believe that I "hyperfocus" while flying. I also hyper focus during other activities that I am very interested in as well sometimes.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hyperfocus

The reason I think I have add is because currently and looking back in my life I realize I've never been able to be organized, I'm late or forget appointments regularly, I've struggled in school throughout my live and in college my academic performance is at its worst without my parents driving me.

I'll know I need to study for a test and I'll tell myself I'm going to study wind up doing a bunch of other things and then it's time to take the test and I'm studying a half hour before its time to take the test. I've always had issues with missing assignments and not doing homework.

Speaking of which homework usually takes abnormally long to do for the same reason. Not as bad as when I was a kid but if I actually finish homework it takes a while to get done.l

I also start and never finish most of my projects. I'll have one hobby or project this week or even shorter and move on to something else.

This occurs with leisure also. Sometimes I'll want to play a video game but can't be bothered to learn how to play it or become disinterested quickly.

Last month I hyperfocused on doing JavaScript on codeacademy for hours on end I made it almost half way through and I still haven't found the interest to continue it though to the end.

There is an IT certification I'd like to get which would greatly help my career but it seems like a massive project I just can't get started.

I was going to start yesterday and ended up doing a bunch of other things before I realized the day was already over.

Sometimes I have to find my place again when reading for watching a video because I start thinking about other things. I also daydream quite a bit especially during "boring" commutes to school or work. I feel like I'm driving on autopilot. When I drive fast I'm very focused.

This occurs at both school and home. At work I usually don't have issues (other than being late all the time) as I work in IT and everything is usually small work tasks that are due within the same day.

I know at least one of my teachers in high school teachers suggested to my parents I might have ADHD but my parents didn't consider the possibility.

Maybe I'm just a lazy person?

Based on your description and diagnosis, probably half the people here on this board have ADHD.

As to your original question, it really isn't a BasicMed question (assuming a state licensed physician will sign you off for BasicMed after you disclose a diagnosis), but a §61.53 issue. The issue is whether you "know or have reason to know of any medical condition that would make [you] unable to operate the aircraft in a safe manner."

That said, health comes first. If you truly believe you have ADHD, you should see a real honest-to-god specialist for a real assessment (as opposed to the differential diagnosis resulting in prescribing you meds and seeing how you react). Treatment may involve alternatives to meds such as lifestyle adjustments or counseling sessions. This is an opportunity for you to discuss whatever condition you may have and whether it would be safe for you to fly. FWIW, the FAA generally considers that if you have been prescribed medication for the condition, it is severe enough that it would affect your ability to safely fly. Consider that when deciding whether you should fly under §61.53 and BasicMed.

 

[bbchien]

Al the stimulants are on the "do not fly do not issue" list, for Basic med. That doc would have his arse in a sling in court....

Psychiatric or Psychotropic medications, (even when used for something other than a mental health condition) including but not limited to:

• antidepressants (certain SSRIs may be allowed - see SSRI policy)
• antianxiety drugs - e.g.: alprazolam (Xanax)
• antipsychotics
• attention deficit disorder (ADD) or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) medications
• mood stabilizers
• sedative-hypnotics
• stimulants
• tranquilizers

 

[privatepil0t]

Al the stimulants are on the "do not fly do not issue" list, for Basic med. That doc would have his arse in a sling in court....

Psychiatric or Psychotropic medications, (even when used for something other than a mental health condition) including but not limited to:

• antidepressants (certain SSRIs may be allowed - see SSRI policy)
• antianxiety drugs - e.g.: alprazolam (Xanax)
• antipsychotics
• attention deficit disorder (ADD) or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) medications
• mood stabilizers
• sedative-hypnotics
• stimulants
• tranquilizers

Thats not the question I'm asking. What I'm asking if is without medication if under BasicMed the examining phsycian can make the determination that a persons ADHD would not impact their ability to safely operate an aircraft.

According to what I am reading in the BasicMed information is that ADHD is not a condition that would first require a SI from the FAA if you qualify for basicMed, which I do as I already have a 3rd class medical.

I fully understand that meds are a no-go for flying and I would never fly while being on medication in the first place.

 

[azure]

Thats not the question I'm asking. What I'm asking if is without medication if under BasicMed the examining phsycian can make the determination that a persons ADHD would not impact their ability to safely operate an aircraft.

Legally? Yes. Whether a non-specialist PCP (or an AME doing a BasicMed exam) would be comfortable doing that without extensive testing, is another matter. Since there is no regulatory requirement (and no guidance, that I'm aware of), it's all up to the physician's judgment.

 

[Capt. Geoffrey Thorpe]

You are not going to get the answer you want to read.

 

[Stephanie B]

Thats not the question I'm asking. What I'm asking if is without medication if under BasicMed the examining phsycian can make the determination that a persons ADHD would not impact their ability to safely operate an aircraft.

According to what I am reading in the BasicMed information is that ADHD is not a condition that would first require a SI from the FAA if you qualify for basicMed, which I do as I already have a 3rd class medical.

I fully understand that meds are a no-go for flying and I would never fly while being on medication in the first place.

AOPA seems to believe that if you've not been medicated for ADHD, that you can fly. As I read it, if you've been medicated in the past, you may have to submit a neuropsych evaluation.

But really, you need to talk to the folks who have dealt with the FAA on such issues. If you're an AOPA member, I'd start there.

 

[azure]

AOPA seems to believe that if you've not been medicated for ADHD, that you can fly. As I read it, if you've been medicated in the past, you may have to submit a neuropsych evaluation.

But really, you need to talk to the folks who have dealt with the FAA on such issues. If you're an AOPA member, I'd start there.

The article you linked to has to do with FAA medical certification, not BasicMed. The FAA is not involved with BasicMed other than from an administrative standpoint, unless you need an SI (which the OP does not, at least for ADD). The question is really, is the OP safe to fly? And that's between him and the physician who signs him off.

Unless, of course, he is on psychoactive meds, then he is grounded, as Bruce stated.

 

[gdwindowpane]

The FAA is not involved with BasicMed other than from an administrative standpoint, unless you need an SI

If one does have a SI, how is the FAA involved with BasicMed? I have a third class now. Expiring in June, thinking I'm going to go BasicMed because I thought I wouldn't have to send in the reports that the FAA wants to see for my SI. If I'm going to have to send them anyways I might change my course of action to keep the third class.

 

[Privatepil0t]

After some thinking and consideration I think I was reading into the description of ADHD symptoms too much.

Yes I need to learn to manage my time better, not procrastinate and focus more one school but I don't think I fit the profile of an attention deficient disorder.

Thank you all for the replies mods please feel free to close the thread.

 

[Palmpilot]

If one does have a SI, how is the FAA involved with BasicMed? I have a third class now. Expiring in June, thinking I'm going to go BasicMed because I thought I wouldn't have to send in the reports that the FAA wants to see for my SI. If I'm going to have to send them anyways I might change my course of action to keep the third class.

Based on what it says in 14 CFR 68.9, there are certain conditions that require an SI in order to operate under BasicMed. However, according to Chapter 8 of AC 68-1A, that's a one-time requirement, so it looks like there would be no further FAA involvement unless evidence of a problem comes to their attention under 14 CFR 68.11.

 

[gdwindowpane]

Based on what it says in 14 CFR 68.9, there are certain conditions that require an SI in order to operate under BasicMed. However, according to Chapter 8 of AC 68-1A, that's a one-time requirement, so it looks like there would be no further FAA involvement unless evidence of a problem comes to their attention under 14 CFR 68.11.

Thankfully my SI is not one of those listed... Thanks for the links!!!

 

[azure]

If one does have a SI, how is the FAA involved with BasicMed? I have a third class now. Expiring in June, thinking I'm going to go BasicMed because I thought I wouldn't have to send in the reports that the FAA wants to see for my SI. If I'm going to have to send them anyways I might change my course of action to keep the third class.

It depends. I was referring to the categories of conditions listed in the statute, for which a one-time SI is required before one can operate under BasicMed. Most SIs are probably for conditions that don't fall in those categories -- mine were -- but it is a limitation and one which would force you to submit something to the FAA before you could operate under BasicMed.

 

[Palmpilot]

It depends. I was referring to the categories of conditions listed in the statute, for which a one-time SI is required before one can operate under BasicMed. Most SIs are probably for conditions that don't follow in those categories -- mine were -- but it is a limitation and one which would force you to submit something to the FAA before you could operate under BasicMed.

Isn't that only true for a pilot who has not already obtained an SI for that condition?

 

[azure]

Isn't that only true for a pilot who has not already obtained an SI for that condition?

I think so. To my understanding, if you already have an SI for one of those conditions, you don't have to get another one for it, you can go BasicMed directly. You only need the one-time SI literally one time, i.e. if you don't already have one, or if you develop the condition that requires the one-time SI while flying under BasicMed.