Well today the FAA dropped a pretty major shocker on us, as they are now allowing pilots who take minor antidepressants to fly commercial aircraft. Previously, if you were on these drugs and the FAA found out about it; your pilot's license got the axe. But now pilots on anti-depressants will be allowed to fly again if they have undergone treatment.
Some of the key points of the new rules:
-The pilots will only be allowed to fly if they have undergone at least one year of treatment for depression, and if they do not show any side effects that could be a safety hazard in the cockpit
-The drugs pilots will be allowed to take are Prozac, Zoloft, Celexa, Lexapro- antidepressants classified as SSRIs, or drugs to help control mood
-Pilots would have to disclose that they were on the drugs to the FAA
-Other countries, such as Australia and Canada already allow this, in addition to the US Army
-Unions have been asking for this for years
What do I think about the rule change? Well, it is something the FAA should have done a long time ago. The rule calling for the license to be revoked on evidence of antidepressants is an archaic holdover from the days when antidepressants caused severe drowsiness, and other side effects. But today's modern updated drugs are less likely to cause such problems, and can be taken safely. This new rule will
a) allow the FAA to effectively monitor the health of its pilots, similar to what it does with drug and alcohol abusers and
b) let pilots openly seek treatment for their depression, rather than hide it from the FAA
In keeping pilots who use antidepressants away from commercial flying, the FAA has been keeping highly trained pilots out of the workforce; pilots who have to be replaced. It makes no sense to keep a pilot who can fly complex airliners out of the skies, simply because he or she takes minor drugs with no major side effects.
I'll give FAA adminstrator Randy Babbit the final word, as the FAA is right on the mark for once
"We need to change the culture and remove the stigma associated with depression," Mr Babbitt said. "Pilots should be able to get the medical treatment they need so they can safely perform their duties."
Pills Image Credit:http://www.flickr.com/photos/eagleglide/3077556441/
Airplane Credit: Los Angeles World Airports
Pilots should have the right to be medically treated for depression. I do believe that restrictions should be applied as to when they are allowed to fly, but the last thing I want is a pilot that is emotionally unstable while flying an aircraft.
I disagree,because medication reacts differently in everyone. Some with more serious side affects then others.
I am glad a quick response (I need it for a school project). Stick with me for a few post (and if there is anyone out ther watching, feel free to jump in). I would like to discuss this, especially since we have differing views.
As far as the medication, please do not misunderstand me, I totally agree that it is an issue. I simply believe that if the pilot has to be monitored for a year prior to being able to either keep or lose his license, then I would rather have a pilot who is dealing with his/her emotional issus through the guidance of medical experts.
Emotions effect the mind and body. Let’s just say the the FAA gives the pilot the approve to fly under medication, what if one day the pilot forgets to take medication as presrcibe? It will endanger many lives which may have been avoided. Maybe you might change my opinion let’s hear your views.
Hi guys, I’m the man who wrote this post so…
Melissa- the drugs that they are using are all pre-approved specifically because of their mild side effects
Mineris- Exactly. I would rather the pilots tell the FAA about this, than do it on the sly. This way they can get treatment in the open transparently….
Melissa- don’t you think that pilots might not already be on these drugs, regardless of what the FAA says. So would you rather the FAA know about their schedule, or run the risk of it not even being out there
Hello Vinay, I do understand the effects maybe mild. It’s just scary to thing about and I cant help it but to go with my intial reaction to the Article. It is hard to get pass the thought that something bad can come of this. Although I am no doctor, maybe if I were my view would be different. Great topic by the way.
Vinay- Yes I can agree with you there, I would rather know then not know. Great arguement.
I understand both points of views. I will say this and then “Depart the pattern”. I have been in the military and completely understand the negative stigma that comes along with saying “I need help”, however, having had been in the military, I understand how many people are regretful for not saying “It is ok if you need help.” I constantly reminded my soldiers that being mentally weak is not admitting that one needs help, but rather trying to fight the fact that they do. Thank you for your help and thoughts.
Of Course sir, just as a point of interest, what school project??
Also, I was surprised that people actually read my blog!!!
hahaha! It would be a ma’am (if I were an officer). I am an NCO. It is a school project about using RSS and developing a blog of my own for an IT class. As for your blog, I am an aspiring pilot and it had to be related to to my field of choice, however, it was a very interesting read. Great work!
I think that a good use of layover time and overnights would take care of a lot of problems with mood swings for pilots. When I am about to go ‘crazy’ on a layover I go to http://boredpilot.com and see what there is to do.