I’d rather have a pilot with well managed ADHD with meds than someone forced to not disclose their diagnosis. That’s without mentioning the compulsory use of stimulant medication with US fighter pilots not long ago (Vietnam, Desert Storm, etc)
The craziest part is I work with many surgeons on adderall or other adhd meds which ignites their genius within. This FAA ban on adhd meds is actually causing more danger. Are there any class action lawsuits on this discrimination?
I believe not. For some reason the ADA (American disability act which bans jobs discriminating based on disability) does not apply here I guess. I’m in the process of getting my medical and I’m taking the test next week and if I pass the test but the faa doesn’t give me my medical, I might get a lawyer involved. This is actual discrimination. The sad part is, people who take ADHD meds have it very easy compared to others. Those with bipolar, diabetes and a few others are completely banned from flying no matter what. This is blatant discrimination and needs to be changed.
I'm pissed about it. I'm really fucking pissed. I'd be a more effective pilot than the vast majority of people I know. If you can fly when you need vision corrective implements (glasses or contacts) and you can potentially not have them for some reason or they fall out, get damaged etc. during flight causing you to essentially be useless at most tasks in a cockpit why haven't the FAA banned all people with poor eyesight? It's total nonsense. I run my own business, I work two jobs (one of which my managers say I'm the best at my job they've ever seen) I play multiple instruments and just because I have to take a pill that has no negative effects on my health once I day I can't fly.
Same man, been years since I found out and I still get pissed off thinking about it. Came out of high school determined to become a pilot, ended up screwed over cause of meds and not having an absurd amount of cash to pay for all their reevaluation tests and lawyer fees just to have a chance at making it. At least the great lords of the FAA let you strap a fan on your back and fly around if that's any consolation
I am ADhD studying for my PPL. I am stuggling so bad. I feel like my instructor wants to strangle me at times. What people do not understand about people with adhd is- once we get it, we got it.. It's just quieting our minds long enough to get it. repitition repitition repitition, I have a Real Estate license in 2 states, I owned managed operated a restraunt for 6 years successfuly, drove a school bus full time, and sold real estate. I DID ALL 3 AT THE SAME TIME. So I know adhd is about knowing what you are doing. My mind only goes crazy when I am in the learning phase of doing something new. I will be more than fine once it clicks. I have never been diagnosed, nor do I want to.. I will not take prescription meds even if they were prescribbed.
This is what I get for being honest. I was “unofficially diagnosed” with ADHD in high school (10 years ago) and was prescribed medication which I took for ~1 year. I just scheduled my expensive neuropsychological exam and I am STRESSING.
I got my pilots license at age 27. Was on my way to my IR when my daughter was born and I stopped flying. I somewhere along the line I was diagnosed with mild ADD and took medication for a period, I have a clean driving record, completed a Masters degree, etc. Would like to get back into flying but looking at this process, it encourages lying.
They are giving me such a hard time and I refuse to do the test. like you said I go to do the test and pass, but they probably won't give me my med cert.
Thank You! Nail on the head. Very frustrating. Glad I found out about this before spending thousands on training, I only had a few lessons and just started ground school. Nobody ever told me about the medical restrictions on ADHD, I found out by chance.
I’m wondering if there is legal precedent to sue the FAA/NTSB for discrimination based on disability. According to the ADA they are not allowed to discriminate for their employees based on disability, so how come that same luxury isn’t granted to those pilots seeking medical certification. While a good case could be made that ADHD in and of itself makes an unsafe pilot, a medicated pilot with ADHD is just as functional as one without. The drugs that are taken for ADHD are not proven to cause any issues when up at altitude. In fact the military will use amphetamines similar to those used in ADHD medication in order to do more long distance trips. There was a story of someone who appealed their denial to the NTSB based on their ADHD medication making them a safe competent pilot. The NTSB ruled that there were issues of heart attack(they ignored the fact that they were related specifically to young children and in fact the ADHD pills did NOT cause these issues) and that they could not guarantee that a pilot would take their medication every time they fly, despite the fact that they would allow pilots to use SSRIs for depression just a few years later. So they obviously don’t really believe that.
The neuropsychological exam costs a lot I paid $1,500 for mine and failed it on the PASAT. I am in debt to my flight school some days I just want to end it all.
i was diagnosed with adhd as a kid i’m 16 now and i’ve been on meds since 6th grade. if i get of them my 10th grade year and control myself can i get a medical for the faa?
I beg, please do NOT disclose that you have ADHD. It’s illegal for the faa to see your medical records without asking and the faa will never ask for your medical records for no reason. Just get off your adhd meds and just say that you have never taken them when you sign up to get your medical. It will save you from a process that could take over a year and might even permanently fail you from getting your medical.
Short answer is yes. You will still need the to take the adhd evaluation test by the faa. The medical examiner will ask if you've ever been on the meds. So best thing you can do is start as soon as you can
@@futureairmedicalpilot3072 yes, adhd is not exactly a disqualifying factor. But taking the medications for adhd is. The faa will not allow a pilot to be on Adderall or any meds usually used for adhd. As someone with adhd aswell, being meds free is totally possible. I recommend you speak woth your doctor start woth lower dosage, and if a pilot is what you want to be, you will need to eventually stay away from the meds. Unless the FAA changes their mind but who knows when that will be.
But they let people with narcolepsy fly as long as they don’t take stimulants 😌. It’s safer for someone to fall asleep in the cockpit, but as long as they don’t have a short attention span 😊. Hay hay ho ho the FAA has got to go.
That's frustrating to hear! At the end of the day, it's a conversation to have with your doctor to see what's best for you. It is sad the government is still so anti-medication, though. Good luck to you!
@@drjosh it shocked me. I have ADHD so it will be a process but I have always wanted a life without having to take medication. I’m just scared because It will change my life. I’ve never done it before
This is ridiculous. The FAA is discriminatory and should go to jail for discrimination based on disability. I personally think that ADHD may not always be a disability but rather a different ability.
I’d rather have a pilot with well managed ADHD with meds than someone forced to not disclose their diagnosis.
That’s without mentioning the compulsory use of stimulant medication with US fighter pilots not long ago (Vietnam, Desert Storm, etc)
The craziest part is I work with many surgeons on adderall or other adhd meds which ignites their genius within. This FAA ban on adhd meds is actually causing more danger. Are there any class action lawsuits on this discrimination?
I believe not. For some reason the ADA (American disability act which bans jobs discriminating based on disability) does not apply here I guess. I’m in the process of getting my medical and I’m taking the test next week and if I pass the test but the faa doesn’t give me my medical, I might get a lawyer involved. This is actual discrimination. The sad part is, people who take ADHD meds have it very easy compared to others. Those with bipolar, diabetes and a few others are completely banned from flying no matter what. This is blatant discrimination and needs to be changed.
@@owenklein1917 did you get your medical? How was the test? Was it challenging?
@@owenklein1917any update from the FAA. I’m waiting to see how things come back.
I’m actually going through the exact process I took the neuropsychological evaluation last week doc said it’ll be no results back yet fingers crossed
Exactly…old FAA stigma.
I'm pissed about it. I'm really fucking pissed. I'd be a more effective pilot than the vast majority of people I know. If you can fly when you need vision corrective implements (glasses or contacts) and you can potentially not have them for some reason or they fall out, get damaged etc. during flight causing you to essentially be useless at most tasks in a cockpit why haven't the FAA banned all people with poor eyesight? It's total nonsense.
I run my own business, I work two jobs (one of which my managers say I'm the best at my job they've ever seen) I play multiple instruments and just because I have to take a pill that has no negative effects on my health once I day I can't fly.
Totally agree.
Heart breaking!
Same man, been years since I found out and I still get pissed off thinking about it. Came out of high school determined to become a pilot, ended up screwed over cause of meds and not having an absurd amount of cash to pay for all their reevaluation tests and lawyer fees just to have a chance at making it. At least the great lords of the FAA let you strap a fan on your back and fly around if that's any consolation
I am ADhD studying for my PPL. I am stuggling so bad. I feel like my instructor wants to strangle me at times. What people do not understand about people with adhd is- once we get it, we got it.. It's just quieting our minds long enough to get it. repitition repitition repitition, I have a Real Estate license in 2 states, I owned managed operated a restraunt for 6 years successfuly, drove a school bus full time, and sold real estate. I DID ALL 3 AT THE SAME TIME. So I know adhd is about knowing what you are doing. My mind only goes crazy when I am in the learning phase of doing something new. I will be more than fine once it clicks. I have never been diagnosed, nor do I want to.. I will not take prescription meds even if they were prescribbed.
incredible how people will just self-diagnose themselves.
That is dangerous
This is what put me into a state of depression that took me two years to get over. In fact, I'm still not over this.
Same here buddy I’m going through this bs right now and no one wants to help
Me too.
Sending good vibes brother
This is what I get for being honest.
I was “unofficially diagnosed” with ADHD in high school (10 years ago) and was prescribed medication which I took for ~1 year.
I just scheduled my expensive neuropsychological exam and I am STRESSING.
Keep calm bro, stress wont help u at all, go for it.
@@omarzarat6244 Thanks dude
Hey, How did your expensive neuropsychological exam for ADHD go?! I’m looking at doing the same thing
how is it now?
how did it go?
I got my pilots license at age 27. Was on my way to my IR when my daughter was born and I stopped flying. I somewhere along the line I was diagnosed with mild ADD and took medication for a period, I have a clean driving record, completed a Masters degree, etc. Would like to get back into flying but looking at this process, it encourages lying.
Don't tell them anything. This whole thing is BS and is designed to take your license and a whole lot of money with it.
They are giving me such a hard time and I refuse to do the test. like you said I go to do the test and pass, but they probably won't give me my med cert.
It's ridiculous and ableist. I'm really sorry (if not surprised) to hear nothing has really changed. :(
lawyer up
Did you get the cert?
How did it go
Thank You! Nail on the head. Very frustrating. Glad I found out about this before spending thousands on training, I only had a few lessons and just started ground school. Nobody ever told me about the medical restrictions on ADHD, I found out by chance.
So how would someone go about getting this changed who would you talk to your congressman or senator?
We’re on it. Our first Congressional advocacy day is next week. Join us! And yes- your federal representatives are exactly who you should talk to.
@@PilotMentalHealth 👏
This is an interesting topic. Thank you for sharing.
I’m wondering if there is legal precedent to sue the FAA/NTSB for discrimination based on disability. According to the ADA they are not allowed to discriminate for their employees based on disability, so how come that same luxury isn’t granted to those pilots seeking medical certification. While a good case could be made that ADHD in and of itself makes an unsafe pilot, a medicated pilot with ADHD is just as functional as one without. The drugs that are taken for ADHD are not proven to cause any issues when up at altitude. In fact the military will use amphetamines similar to those used in ADHD medication in order to do more long distance trips.
There was a story of someone who appealed their denial to the NTSB based on their ADHD medication making them a safe competent pilot. The NTSB ruled that there were issues of heart attack(they ignored the fact that they were related specifically to young children and in fact the ADHD pills did NOT cause these issues) and that they could not guarantee that a pilot would take their medication every time they fly, despite the fact that they would allow pilots to use SSRIs for depression just a few years later. So they obviously don’t really believe that.
The neuropsychological exam costs a lot I paid $1,500 for mine and failed it on the PASAT. I am in debt to my flight school some days I just want to end it all.
What is a PASAT
How can FAA still deny after doctors testing.. what are they denying based of
i think i was diagnosed as a kid; haven’t also taken medication in over 10 years. what should i do
There is now a fast track program for those with a history of ADHD who haven't taken medication in 4+ years, you should see if you qualify for that.
Do you think this whole thing will be lifted?
Sadly I suspect it will take them much longer than it should to come around :/
i was diagnosed with adhd as a kid i’m 16 now and i’ve been on meds since 6th grade. if i get of them my 10th grade year and control myself can i get a medical for the faa?
I beg, please do NOT disclose that you have ADHD. It’s illegal for the faa to see your medical records without asking and the faa will never ask for your medical records for no reason. Just get off your adhd meds and just say that you have never taken them when you sign up to get your medical. It will save you from a process that could take over a year and might even permanently fail you from getting your medical.
Short answer is yes. You will still need the to take the adhd evaluation test by the faa. The medical examiner will ask if you've ever been on the meds. So best thing you can do is start as soon as you can
@@kanabcowboys111 to get off my meds soon?
@@futureairmedicalpilot3072 yes, adhd is not exactly a disqualifying factor. But taking the medications for adhd is. The faa will not allow a pilot to be on Adderall or any meds usually used for adhd. As someone with adhd aswell, being meds free is totally possible. I recommend you speak woth your doctor start woth lower dosage, and if a pilot is what you want to be, you will need to eventually stay away from the meds. Unless the FAA changes their mind but who knows when that will be.
@@kanabcowboys111 will do thx! i can’t wait to make my adhd better and become a pilot
But they let people with narcolepsy fly as long as they don’t take stimulants 😌. It’s safer for someone to fall asleep in the cockpit, but as long as they don’t have a short attention span 😊. Hay hay ho ho the FAA has got to go.
WAIT WHAT NARCOLEPSY!??!
i take medications and i was told that if i want a ppl, i have to stop taking it all together. Is this a problem for me?
That's frustrating to hear! At the end of the day, it's a conversation to have with your doctor to see what's best for you. It is sad the government is still so anti-medication, though. Good luck to you!
@@drjosh it shocked me. I have ADHD so it will be a process but I have always wanted a life without having to take medication. I’m just scared because It will change my life. I’ve never done it before
in my experience, taking *a lot* of caffeine has a similar effect to ADHD medications so that could help if you need it
@@drjosh it’s so ironic given that military pilots were required to use dextrine to stay awake longer.
@@drjoshin the end I decided to put a hold on my pilot career. Apart from the medical dilemma it is wicked expensive for flight lessons
I’m going to another country to fly because they won’t have my medical records there 😊
unfortunately this means that i cant join the raf 😔
This is ridiculous. The FAA is discriminatory and should go to jail for discrimination based on disability. I personally think that ADHD may not always be a disability but rather a different ability.