denied class 3

[Skibirds]

I was denied class 3 medical for a couple of reasons. I was on Lexapro for situational depression, work related just over 5 years ago, doctor didn't see reason to take me off of it. I have been off of it for 3 months now and retired from the job for 5 years, so depression is no longer an issue. I never sought counseling or therapy wasn't needed. I also misread the addiction question, I am a recovering alcoholic, I have been sober for 6 years but I answered the question yes which after going back and reading it again it should have been a NO. I never had any legal or work-related issues with alcohol just decided I was drinking too much and wanted to quit. Didn't go to rehab just used AA.

So, my question is how long before I can reapply and answer questions honestly. I did speak with a HIMS AME and if i wanted to try to get special issuance with denial it was going to cost upward of 10000 dollars something that i don't have at this point. I just want to fly recreationally has I took lessons way back in 1986-87 then joined the AF for 34 years so aviation is in my blood. If I reapply and answer correctly about everything, will I still need to see a Psychiatrist AME etc.

Any and All Help is appreciated
Desperate in Maryland

 

[bbchien]

Skibirds, the key here is if you are being regarded by FAA as a "Dual diagnosis" applicant.

With over 5 years on meds (no matter if it was initialy "situational") it can't be considered situational any longer because the DSM limits that disgnosis to less than 2 years of symptoms + treatment. So that one is usually an ON SSRI application: Teeniest dose to prevent recurrence in someone who meets the 5 years std for "having recurrent disease". "Recurrent disease untreated and unmonitored "(non-ssri program) is 100% denied.

Never mind the facts - late in career while being PUSHED OUT by 40 something bosses, he no kidding that is situational in my book.

Secondly, Recovering Alcoholic is "for the rest of your life" per the regs. Per the 12 steps as you know, some steps one worked FOREVER. e.g the condition is forever. So you would be regarded as a dual diagnosis candidate. No DUAL DIANGNOSIS CANDIDATE is considered unless he has had formal rehab (which the FAA considers education). Have you had a creditable rehab? If not, this goes noplace.

I have a guy who is a very trusted professional at a small rural hospital (a department chief) who could not do a rehab until the state changed it's renewal questionnaire as to "do you have a condition that could impair yiour ability to conduct practice...." who finally after a ten year stretch managed to get to a rehab, retain his license, his position, and is PIC of his MOONEY once again. But he was held back by not being able to have a rehab, even though by our community stds he REALLY WAS in good recovery.

You might consider challenging the FAA's definition of 5 years as to chonicity- in 28 years of doing this I have only seen one HIMS Psychiatrist try this, and the FAA barfed on it for 19 months and then issued the most restrictive Special isusance Medical Auth, that I've ever enountered. Of course he's on Basic now..... But that is a long shot and 1 in about 20,000 is probably not a set of odds that is realistic.