[leetrout]

I briefly held a student pilots license, issued my exemption, due to kidney stones. I have suffered from depression for years and was extremely reluctant to seek treatment because I knew it would be detrimental to flying.

My primary care doctor had me try lexapro in 2018 and even though I hadn't flown in 2 years I protested but reluctantly agreed I needed to do something and it was unlikely I would ever fly as a private pilot for many factors and should go on with treatment.

I know for a fact pilots hide all kinds of medical issues. I had a doctor that worked with delta pilots and argued my case with the FAA (a formality more than anything) and he along with everyone at flight school advocated for keeping my kidney stones to myself and not disclosing it in the first place.

The system needs some work. I have first hand experience with it without my livelihood being on the line and its easy to imagine why pilots hide issues.

[ericpauley]

The situation has improved dramatically in the part 91 world. If you received a 3rd class (including special issuance) within the past 10 years you can likely now do BasicMed as long as your condition is well managed. Might be worth looking into before the 10 year limit expires.

[markps]

Just so no one gets discouraged, there is no 10 year limit. You can get BasicMed as long as you’ve held a 3rd class medical after July 14, 2006.

https://www.faa.gov/licenses_certificates/airmen_certificati...

[adhd1110101]

See part 3 which specifically names the 4 drugs that are permitted with a special issuance. https://www.faa.gov/ame_guide/app_process/exam_tech/item47/a...

[ericpauley]

If they already have a non-revoked 3rd class from before, though, having used one not on this list may not prevent getting BasicMed. Even if you’re technically eligible for an SI you should just do BasicMed and not risk it if you don’t have to. Disclaimer: not an AME, YMMV.

[adhd1110101]

May not prevent as in you won't get caught. You would not be self-certifying in good faith though.

[ericpauley]

This is clearly false. The limitations on BasicMed are different from those of a standard medical certificate [0], and have to do with your physician's medical opinion about your ability to operate a plane. There are a few conditions that specifically require a new SI [1] but this is not some pseudo-legal/badfaith game.

[0] https://www.faa.gov/documentLibrary/media/Form/FAA_Form_8700... [1] https://www.aopa.org/advocacy/pilots/medical/basicmed/basicm...