RESOURCES FOR PILOTS
Know What Help Is Available
AOPA
Aircraft Owners and Pilot Association
Do you have questions or need anonymous, unbiased information about an airman medical topic? I recommend speaking with friends Aircraft Owners and Pilot Association (AOPA) first. Look through the information on AOPA’s medical resources page and feel free to contact AOPA’s Medical Certification Specialists for advice. **Must be an active AOPA Member
Hours:
M-F 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST
800-USA-AOPA (872-2672)
medicalassist@aopa.org
PSYCHOLOGY TODAY
Interested in finding a therapist, psychologist or doctor? Psychology today is where I found my first counselor. They have an amazing directory with a customized search that gets you the exact professional you are looking for in your area.
TALKSPACE
Is talking in person to a shrink not your thing? Rather run a marathon than open up in person for your allotted 1 hour session? You’re NOT ALONE. That’s why there are texting based therapy apps like Talkspace (my personal choice) and BetterHelp to offer a different option for the modern pilot looking to vent to someone with a degree in psychology. What do you have to lose, give it a try!
NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION LIFELINE
Help is always available. Speak with someone today at the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.
Hours: Available 24 hours. Languages: English, Spanish.
Learn more
Call: 800-273-8255
HUMAN RESOURCES
I’ve spoken with many HR employees that want you to know they are still there to help you, I know you may not believe it, but it’s 100% true. Contact your HR department at your own company or airline for anonymous information and help with your specific situation.
A lot of companies have free resources for therapy and help with addiction. For example, IBM has an entire “Resources for Living” program specifically for wellness and complimentary therapy subscriptions. You lucky corporate pilots.
FAA AVIATION MEDICAL EXAMINER
New to flying or have an interest in starting training? We recommend getting your medical from an Aviation Medical Examiner before continuing, just so you know the answers before spending any money. If you already have a prexisting condition that might require a special issuance or a history of substance abuse contact a HIMS AME.
WARNING: Just be careful, once you receive an aviation medical denial it is much harder to get a medical. Do your research and maybe speak with AOPA first to know the facts before taking the test. Don’t go in blind.
THE SSRI PROCESS
As Experienced First Hand by An Airline Pilot
1. Admit you might benefit from professional help and self-ground. Put your health first.
2. Tell your HR department, follow the rules, and go get it! (Make sure to see a counselor, therapist or doctor that is familiar with the aviation regulations. Call AOPA’s medical line for confidential answers to your questions – 800/USA-AOPA (872-2672)
3. Spend 6 months getting treated on medical leave. This pilot became a simulator instructor in the meantime – no medical required.
4. Feel better, and get the doctor who treated you to sign off on it.
5. Begin the special issuance process with the FAA. This pilot used Aviation Medical Advisory Service (AMAS) who is on contract with the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA).
6. Get a cognitive screening from an AME – similar to the airline new hire cog. screen.
7. Get letters from a board-certified psych and your chief pilot.
8. File the paperwork – around $2500…ouch.
9. Wait for the FAA PI# and follow up as needed. This specific pilot waited 1.5 years total: 6 months of medical leave + 1 year waiting for the special issuance. (Can we shorten that timeline?!)