Class 3 with Zoloft

chumash

Filing Flight Plan
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chumash
Hello,
I am greatly interested in learning to fly. I am 57, and in good physical condition. I would prefer to get a PPL, but after looking at the medical restrictions, I am not sure if I would be able to get the medical. I do not want to get denied and not be able to get a sport pilot.

I have been on Zoloft for several years for anxiety. I do not have panic attacks, but would wake in the night feeling anxious. I also have OSA, treated c CPAP, as well as hypertension, also treated by Cardizem. Both are under control and have been for quite some time. From what I can tell, the Cardizem is allowed. I can supply the data needed to show compliance with CPAP. I also have Chronic Myeloid leukemia, which is in remission. I was on a daily chemo pill for 3.5 years. I was taken off it on 11-17-17. That med was Sprycel, and appears to be OK on a case-by-case basis.

Is my use of Zoloft, or any other issue I have a deal breaker for a Class 3 medical? If so, I will go the sport pilot route.

Thanks for any help on this topic.

Ted
 
Funny how you bring up Zoloft of all meds...
 
the anti-depressent will require a HIMS type Special issuance ... 4 or so months and several thousands of dollars and then will have to be maintained as long as you fly. More annual money but less than the initial.
 
the anti-depressent will require a HIMS type Special issuance ... 4 or so months and several thousands of dollars and then will have to be maintained as long as you fly. More annual money but less than the initial.
Hmm... once he gets it, can he not let the SI lapse and go BasicMed?
 
Sure, but getting in is the trick. Or he can forget it all and go Sport Pilot.
My question was regarding Dr. Lou's statement that he has to maintain it for as long as he flies. For most SIs, it's not just getting in, it's the often expensive annual testing and then, if AASI isn't an option, the weeks or months of downtime while the FAA reviews your submitted material, that's the real kicker. Personally, I'd consider going back to a 3rd class if I didn't need annual testing. I have no idea what's involved in maintaining the SSRI SI though.
 
Thanks to everyone for the help. I will follow the links provided and contact Dr Chien. He looks like a good person to talk to.

Thanks,
Ted
 
Funny how you bring up Zoloft of all meds...

What am I missing about bringing up Zoloft? Was it a mistake to bring that up? I just want to start training, and need to get this cleared up.

Ted
 
After winning the SI, one has to serve out the first year's term of authorization as there are continuing requirements to maintain such. Since the HIMS authorization is a monitored auth, if the FAA puts says 3rd monthly requirements in the authorization, we have do that to the end of the first year's term. Though, not to sweat, it takes a good six months to get the auth. so there is only six months left.

The reason is that the sponsoring HIMS AME, if you "fall off" the authorization requirements, is supposed to notify FAA who then revokes you. then no Sport Pilot. The most common requirement is the six monthly visit to the community psychiatrist (which you are supposed to do anyway). and the 3rd monthly visit to the sponsoring HIMS AME.

But after the 1 year from the application flight physical has been had (lapse, with compliance) it's off to sport pilot for a lot of guys. I had one fellow from MN on this who finally, after two years of doing the recurrent requirements, gave up and did Basic Med. I was surprised he lasted so long- a determined fellow- but the requirements for him, in his remote agricultural community, were just too much.
 
No, there's another thread @Ryanb was referring to I think, one that @SixPapaCharlie created. It's humorous so you're warned. In your situation you probably won't find it humorous though. So take a look at own your risk:

https://www.pilotsofamerica.com/community/threads/power-off-180-in-a-cirrus-a-satire.107888/
That was great, zoloft and scotch, the cure-all for emergencies. Thanks for showing me that. If nothing else, I do have a pretty good sense of humor, Zoloft be damned.

Ted
 
The hard part about going the sporty route seems to be finding one to rent to learn in (I own my own). But plenty of options to pick something up for $20k to $30k that will work for putzing 'round in (trying to travel at less than 100 tends to get real sucky when you have a headwind).
 
Just a thought, have you considered trying getting off the Zoloft? If the anxiety at night was related in any way to OSA and/or having leukemia, maybe it was more of a situational thing.

In any case you are in the best of hands with Dr. Chien, no need to respond to my question, it's between you and your doctors to work out.
 
The hard part about going the sporty route seems to be finding one to rent to learn in (I own my own). But plenty of options to pick something up for $20k to $30k that will work for putzing 'round in (trying to travel at less than 100 tends to get real sucky when you have a headwind).

I have found a few in my area that do rent LSA planes for lessons. Trikes and gyros require you to own one to solo. But that's out because my wife won't get in one anyway. I do plan on buying, especially if I go sport. And either way, I come out ahead, because I can't fly anything but a kite right now. I am looking at the Sling, RV12 and Aerotrek for LSA.

Ted
 
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