Meds for anxiety disorder

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anon123632

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I was diagnosed with social anxiety disorder and took Lexapro and Risperdal for 4 years. I stopped the drugs 12 years ago and don't need them anymore. I also haven't had any alcohol in like 10+ years. I was just wondering if it's still possible for me to get a private pilot license or should I not waste my time?
 
I was diagnosed with social anxiety disorder and took Lexapro and Risperdal for 4 years. I stopped the drugs 12 years ago and don't need them anymore. I also haven't had any alcohol in like 10+ years. I was just wondering if it's still possible for me to get a private pilot license or should I not waste my time?

I'm guessing you haven't applied for a medical of any sort. If that's true, then you could always train for a Light Sport Certificate using your drivers license as your medical.

You could certainly obtain a PPL but hopefully a doc will be along shortly to explain the pain that would be involved in doing so.

Some info here: https://www.faa.gov/ame_guide/app_process/exam_tech/item47/amd/antidepressants
 
I was diagnosed with social anxiety disorder and took Lexapro and Risperdal for 4 years. I stopped the drugs 12 years ago and don't need them anymore. I also haven't had any alcohol in like 10+ years. I was just wondering if it's still possible for me to get a private pilot license or should I not waste my time?

Getting an FAA medical, required for a private pilot certificate, is possible but difficult and expensive.

Fortunately there are other options, the best of which is a Sport Pilot certificate. No FAA medical required. There are some limitations on the planes you’ll be able to fly, you’ll only be allowed to carry one passenger, and you’ll be restricted to flying in the daytime in clear weather (“visual flight rules”). That’s not terribly limiting in actuality, because that’s how most private flying is done anyway.

Sport Pilot training counts toward Private Plot training, too. I suggest you get your Sport Pilot license and fly for a while, then decide whether you want to go to the trouble of getting a medical and Private ticket.
 
The problem is I don't think I'll fit in the light sport aircraft. I'm 6'7" 255lbs.
 
The problem is I don't think I'll fit in the light sport aircraft. I'm 6'7" 255lbs.

Sport Pilot no longer limits you to Light Sport Aircraft. That's a recent rule change. Sport Pilots can now fly many types of larger aircraft, including Piper Cherokees, Cessna 172s, some Beechcraft Bonanza variants, and many others.
 
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@Half Fast is correct. Many LSAs with a 1320 lbs. gross could accommodate you. The weight is doable but the height might require you to fly an open cockpit ... :biggrin:

Under MOSAIC, he will no longer be limited to LSAs. Even some Bonanzas can be flown by Sport Pilots, with proper endorsements.
 
Ok thanks, I didn't know they were allowing larger planes with the sport license. I was just reading about a school in Oshkosh and they list 6'1" as the max height. I guess I'll look into the sport license some more.
 
Under MOSAIC, he will no longer be limited to LSAs. Even some Bonanzas can be flown by Sport Pilots, with proper endorsements.

I understand that but my point was that even under the previous restrictions there were plenty of planes that would fly a 255 lbs. pilot. But even with the new allowances the 6'7" height might limit the planes that they might be comfortable in.

Speaking of MOSAIC, I'm wondering if I can now fly a Commander 112A ...
 
I understand that but my point was that even under the previous restrictions there were plenty of planes that would fly a 255 lbs. pilot. But even with the new allowances the 6'7" height might limit the planes that they might be comfortable in.

Speaking of MOSAIC, I'm wondering if I can now fly a Commander 112A ...
Can you find a listing of the clean stall in KCAS? If it's 58 or lower, you're in.
 
Can you find a listing of the clean stall in KCAS? If it's 58 or lower, you're in.

Most all I find that gives what appears to be clear and reputable info says 62 KCAS ... :( ... although one reference gave 58 for the TC model (but didn't give specifics). Another site give 51 KCAS for the B model but again doesn't give specifics (that has to be with flaps & gear extended). So I dunno ...

PS: I'm gonna leave this alone. Apology for the thread drift!
 
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Aside from the ongoing conversation about sport pilots — I feel like you have a somewhat decent shot at getting a medical issued without deferral (i.e., immediately in office) and a very good shot at getting a special issuance medical in general (with a deferral and HIMS evaluation — which is costly but it doesn't mean you don't have a shot.)

Social Anxiety Disorder is one of the few diagnoses that the FAA recently released new, relaxed guidance on — but the thing going against you in this instance is that you took two medications at once as I understand it, so I am unsure if you could get a medical issued in office. But the time/length since taking it and the diagnosis itself bode well in terms of you being able to get a medical. You just might have to jump through some hoops.

My recommendation for you, if you want a full medical and don't want to do sport pilot, is to contact an AME for a consultation-only appointment. Do NOT fill out a MedXpress application. When you're in the office, lay out your case. Try to bring supporting documentation of your diagnosis, and positive treatment notes, etc. See what they say.

There are also numerous private entities that offer a confidential consult, like LeftSeat in OKC, AMAS in Colorado Springs, etc. Obviously they are not the same as the governing bodies, but they have a lot of insight and could help you privately see if you have a chance before you go through it for a relatively nominal fee (but a consult from an AME is also nominal as well — so your call.)
 
Curious what the documented diagnosis is? You don’t get on risperdal for good ole anxiety
 
Q: "what is the most common cause of aniety in Aviators?"
A: "Alcohol abuse or dependency, even if in remission".

The problem here is the OP implied he had an alcohol issue, common with disorders for whcih risperdal gets Rx'd. The HIMS psychiatrist would have to sort that out.

And then there's the matter of substantiating ten years of abstinence, not just asserting it....
 
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