SSRI Checkride Failures

[Anonymous]

Ive been on an SSRI for 10 years for Anxiety. I have a commercial multi engine instrument. 15 years or so years ago at age 21 and under I failed 5 FAA practical tests. Let’s just say I wasn’t the most mature individual back then.

Private - Oral (Weather knowledge)
Instrument - Flight (ILS Approach Glideslope)
Commercial ME ADD On 2x - Flight (1. Crosswind takeoff, 2. Steep Turn)
CFI - Oral (knowledge, wasn’t prepared enough, didn’t get credit for anything.)

I never did finish the CFI and quit flying ever since. I have a Bachelors and Masters and have had a stable life ever since. No criminal, FAA violations, speeding tickets etc ever.

I want to seek a 3rd Class Medical under the SSRI protocol. I meet all the rule out requirements.

Would the FAA medical side review my less than stellar checkride history when reviewing SSRI application, and deny me on that basis?

I am nervous about being denied, and then losing Sport Pilot privileges.

 

[Half Fast]

Was your old medical still valid after July 15, 2006? If so, you might be able to go Basic Med, depending on why you went on the SSRI.

See https://www.faa.gov/licenses_certificates/airmen_certification/basic_med/ .

 

[Anonymous]

Was your old medical still valid after July 15, 2006? If so, you might be able to go Basic Med, depending on why you went on the SSRI.

See https://www.faa.gov/licenses_certificates/airmen_certification/basic_med/ .

I am not eligible

 

[AggieMike88]

This is a guess…

In my 11 years of paying attention to how the medical certification happens, I have never heard of CAMI using past check ride performance as a criteria for their decisions.

Nonetheless, Pinging Doctor Lou and Doctor Bruce for their input. @lbfjrmd @bbchien

 

[Anonymous]

“Training history” is one of the items for Neuropsychological evaluation listed, hence my reason for concern.

 

[AggieMike88]

“Training history” is one of the items for Neuropsychological evaluation listed, hence my reason for concern.

I would seek out the best HIMS AME in your local region and do a consult.

 

[Anonymous]

I would seek out the best HIMS AME in your local region and do a consult.

I’ve done that multiple times. Both have the “let’s apply and see what happens approach.” They have no idea if Checkride failures are considered.

Both even told me going off SSRIs was an option. But based on reading this forum after this long on, doing so only leads to a swift denial.

 

[bbchien]

I would seek out the best HIMS AME in your local region and do a consult.

Were you depressed during the period when you took your checkride(s)?
and
Were you on unreported meds during the period when you took your checkride

 

[Anonymous]

Were you depressed during the period when you took your checkride(s)?
and
Were you on unreported meds during the period when you took your checkride

I can tell today that Anxiety played a big role in my checkride/oral performance issues. I stopped flying after I first completely bombed the CFI oral. I felt so anxious about retaking I never did.

1. So yes technically, but I never sought treatment before I failed the last check ride.
2. No unreported meds.

 

[bbchien]

“On SSRI protocol.....” Then Basic Med....

 

[Terry M - 3CK (Chicago)]

Dr @bbchien is your advice to the OP to seek the SI under the SSRI Protocol and then go basic med going forward?

OP - in what year did you last hold a valid medical?

 

[Anonymous]

This is a guess…

In my 11 years of paying attention to how the medical certification happens, I have never heard of CAMI using past check ride performance as a criteria for their decisions.

Nonetheless, Pinging Doctor Lou and Doctor Bruce for their input. @lbfjrmd @bbchien

They might not directly, but the HIMS psychiatrist definitely used my ability to get a commercial and CFI as evidence that my (then undiagnosed and untreated) mental illness was not a safety of flight issue.