A
Anon
Guest
Hi All,
I've used the search function and found some good stuff, but my case is a little odd and am hoping for some replies. When I was younger, I thought about the commercial aviation route and ultimately went a different direction in life. I'm now older and am hoping to one day just have a PPL so that I can fly for fun. Problem is, I had some alcohol and drug issues in my late teens and twenties. I'm in my early 30s now and sober, but I know that isn't enough. I'm hoping to see what I can do going forward to give myself a shot at a medical, but I do acknowledge there's a possibility that it just may not happen for me.
From 18-20, I was cited three times for underage alcohol possession/consumption. I completed diversion and wasn't convicted, but I know I have to disclose these. From about 16-20 I smoked a fair bit of marijuana, but haven't used in years. I tried hallucinogens a few times in college, nothing since. I know this is all still not good.
I'm ashamed to admit I had a cocaine problem for a number of years during college and law school. I never got in any trouble with police over drug use, but a fellow student told my law school I was using and I had to talk with a counselor. I graduated but it's on my graduation certificate.
I got cleaned up after law school, and I actually don't even drink anymore. I cannot recall the last time I had a drink, and I've been drug free for coming up on four years. That said, to get admitted to the bar in one state I had to get an independent medical evaluation regarding my mental health and substance use. That was in 2016. I recently passed the bar in another state and had to provide all my records. I ultimately took a hair test, went to therapy, and hired an attorney. This was good enough for the board and I was admitted.
I also have a history of depression and anxiety. Both have abated greatly in the last few years. I no longer take anything for anxiety, though I do still take a low dose of an antidepressant. I did talk therapy for over a decade, but do not currently.
My past actions pay preclude me from ever flying an airplane, and while that will be disappointing, I understand that it's a consequence of choices I made. Still, I'd like to explore whether I even have a path. I'm thinking of starting this process a few years down the road when I have more years of sobriety under my belt, so no time in the next year or two.
Since getting clean, I've gotten meaningful employment, passed a bar exam while working full time, gotten married, and purchased my first home. I've demonstrated to a state bar that I've worked on recovery. Still, I know the FAA will want more. I'm just looking for general advice on how to give them more or whether this simply won't be an option for me. I apologize for even having to ask; I know flying is a privilege and that people with past substance problems aren't always welcome in the sky. Even so, I wanted to get some thoughts and figure out whether I can start slowly working at flying or if I need to forget it. Thank you all.
I've used the search function and found some good stuff, but my case is a little odd and am hoping for some replies. When I was younger, I thought about the commercial aviation route and ultimately went a different direction in life. I'm now older and am hoping to one day just have a PPL so that I can fly for fun. Problem is, I had some alcohol and drug issues in my late teens and twenties. I'm in my early 30s now and sober, but I know that isn't enough. I'm hoping to see what I can do going forward to give myself a shot at a medical, but I do acknowledge there's a possibility that it just may not happen for me.
From 18-20, I was cited three times for underage alcohol possession/consumption. I completed diversion and wasn't convicted, but I know I have to disclose these. From about 16-20 I smoked a fair bit of marijuana, but haven't used in years. I tried hallucinogens a few times in college, nothing since. I know this is all still not good.
I'm ashamed to admit I had a cocaine problem for a number of years during college and law school. I never got in any trouble with police over drug use, but a fellow student told my law school I was using and I had to talk with a counselor. I graduated but it's on my graduation certificate.
I got cleaned up after law school, and I actually don't even drink anymore. I cannot recall the last time I had a drink, and I've been drug free for coming up on four years. That said, to get admitted to the bar in one state I had to get an independent medical evaluation regarding my mental health and substance use. That was in 2016. I recently passed the bar in another state and had to provide all my records. I ultimately took a hair test, went to therapy, and hired an attorney. This was good enough for the board and I was admitted.
I also have a history of depression and anxiety. Both have abated greatly in the last few years. I no longer take anything for anxiety, though I do still take a low dose of an antidepressant. I did talk therapy for over a decade, but do not currently.
My past actions pay preclude me from ever flying an airplane, and while that will be disappointing, I understand that it's a consequence of choices I made. Still, I'd like to explore whether I even have a path. I'm thinking of starting this process a few years down the road when I have more years of sobriety under my belt, so no time in the next year or two.
Since getting clean, I've gotten meaningful employment, passed a bar exam while working full time, gotten married, and purchased my first home. I've demonstrated to a state bar that I've worked on recovery. Still, I know the FAA will want more. I'm just looking for general advice on how to give them more or whether this simply won't be an option for me. I apologize for even having to ask; I know flying is a privilege and that people with past substance problems aren't always welcome in the sky. Even so, I wanted to get some thoughts and figure out whether I can start slowly working at flying or if I need to forget it. Thank you all.
