Other options exist in flying for those who might be bummed about the medical like I was.

By Anonymous Sport Pilot

I wanted to write this after seeing all the stories on the Instagram page. My story is for most of my late childhood/teenage years as far as I can remember I wanted to be an airline pilot, like really wanted to be an airline pilot. I would always watch every video I could get my hands on, play any simulator I could download, and learn basically every obscure fact I could. To say I was an avgeek would have been an understatement. It was around sophomore year of high school I was approached by a family friend who owned a 172 at a nearby airport. We went flying eventually and I was hooked! After the flight he handed me an application for a scholarship program at that same airport that he was the president of the board on, saying I was exactly who they were looking for.

Before applying I had heard about a medical certificate that I would need, “no big deal” I thought. Well glad I did my research, I had been dealing with ADHD/Anxiety/OCD most of my childhood, and had been dealing with medications. I eventually stopped the medications and figured that would’ve been the end, but knowing the FAA I found out they’d want a ton of obscure tests that would take thousands of dollars and a long deferral process, nothing I wanted to hear at the time.

I was bummed, really bummed. I had everything planned like I was going to be an airline pilot, I cried at the thought I had to basically give up my dream. A few years passed and I still very much wanted to fly, even if it was only just for fun. I had done some search and come across some non-medical flying options, primarily the often loathed sport pilot certificate.

“This is what I’ll do” I thought, and after understanding the restrictions I’d have (no night flight, nothing larger than an LSA) I started lessons at a local flight school. I eventually got my certificate and man was I happy! I had made my largest dream a reality, it was fun flying around!

Eventually I found myself flying gliders too, and I’m going to get my private/commercial/CFI ratings there too. Both Sport and glider flying don’t need medicals, and both could suit the mission of anyone looking to fly for fun. So if you aren’t sure about a medical, I’d suggest giving these paths a try!