Hello Everyone,
I'm seeking guidance and clarification on this whole SSRI process. I have read tons of material and documentation from the FAA website and countless forums, but none of them quite given me clear information.
Background: I am an Army Vet and full-time Army Reservists with 19 years of service, ERAU graduate, about to retire from the military, and want to transition careers to become a professional pilot. I deployed to Iraq in 2004-2005 during the climax of the Iraq war. I returned home 12/2005, went to the VA to use the free healthcare, was prescribed Fluoxetine, but never used it because I thought I didn't need it. Fast forward to 2019, I had a mental health hospitalization due to suicidal ideations. I was discharged, began treatment with the VA, and was awarded a disability for PTSD. January 2020, I had another hospitalization and was prescribed various mood and anxiety medicines. Throughout 2020 and after various conversations and sessions with my social workers and psychologist, I realized the military life wasn't for me anymore.
Therefore, I've made the decision to submit my retirement packet and pursue new endeavors, which is to become an airline pilot. It's something I have always wanted to become. I also elected to discontinue my medicines as I did not like the associated side-effects. Since stopping the medication, there has been great improvements on my daily life and well noted in my medical records.
Here's where the confusion comes in. Given I have so much history, I'm lost as to what to expect and how I should best go about going for me medical certificate. I researched on my own and concluded the following:
1. The convoluted SSRI process seems confusing and misleading.
*It's almost as if the FAA does not want pilots with any history (big or small) of depression, anxiety, or any other mental health history.
2. SSRI Decision Path 1 seems like what I've already elected, but from what I've read through forums I would still:
*require to be on a SSRI since I had 2 hospitalizations.
*require a Special Issuance/Special Authorization and an additional SI on recertification
*require a positive report from my psychologist after being off SSRIs for 90 days or more (preferred)
*require HIMS evaluation
3. Possible denial because I have history of suicidal ideation with no ability for appeal or re-application.
4. Recommendation letters carry no weight.
5. Electing SSRI Path 1 require several conditions to be met for a SI to be considered (based on the info in the AME guide - Item 47)
6. "An applicant with an established history of a personality disorder that is severe enough to have repeatedly manifested itself by overt acts, a psychosis disorder, or a bipolar disorder must be denied or deferred by the Examiner." My interpretation: If you've had more than 1 hospitalization, you're in this category and get ready to jump through hoops.
So far, I been off for over 60 days (the minimum requirement), pending the evaluation from my doctor, and obtained all medical records from the VA and military. I also found an AME/HIMS, once I start this process, who will schedule me for an appointment.
I'm willing to do whatever it takes to obtain a first-class certificate.
Any advice/guidance/clarification would be much appreciated!
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