Should I Give Up The Dream?

[marsden]

Should I Give Up The Dream?

Dr. Forred, here are the facts:

54 y/o male. 0 Flight hours. Looking at ATP. But before I schedule a medical exam I'd like an idea if I'm wasting my time.

I'm taking Plavix, (Angina, stented) Citalopram (Depression) and Clonazepam (Anxiety). If necessary I think I could go without the Citalopram if I used bio-feedback techniques and herbal remedies and began an exercise regimen.

From what I understand the Plavix and Clonazepam aren't prohibited to commercial pilots.

I believe my vision can be corrected to 20/20 but my colorblindness is slight but still imperfect.

While I'd guess these medical challenges might prevent my flying for a major would I be able to fly for a fractional or cargo carrier or a corporation?

Should I forget about jets or multi-engines?

I like the looks of the single engine Cessna Caravan and I think I'd like to fly that if all else were denied me.

And if I worked only as an instructor that would be fine, too.

To me, flying a bigger aircraft is better than a small aircraft. And being paid to fly is better than paying to fly.

A friend says that with my medical conditions I should abandon any idea of flying commercially, whether it be in jets for an airline or cargo carrier or as a Corporate Pilot in single engine piston aircraft or even as an instructor.

He says I should just get myself a powered paraglider and fly on weekends from a suitably amenable farmer's pasture. And if that's all that's left then that's probably what I'll do.

But, I don't want to just abandon hope if it's possible for me to fly commercially. However, before I decide to spend the money and time to go to a medical examiner in search of a 1st or 2nd class physical I need to know if I am wasting my time.

Should I give up the dream?

Thanks in advance!

[My Flight Surgeon]

Plavix is not a problem.

Citalopram and clonazepam are both disqualifying. You would need to be off the medications for more than 90 days and have a full psychiatric evaluation before the FAA would consider granting you a medical certificate. This is true for ANY class of medical certificate, even class 3 for a PPL.

Your only viable option if you really want to fly is Sport Pilot. If you apply for a medical certificate and are denied, then you can't fly as a sport pilot. Look into this option but it is only for fun.

[aloft]

Originally Posted by My Flight Surgeon

Your only viable option if you really want to fly is Sport Pilot. If you apply for a medical certificate and are denied, then you can't fly as a sport pilot.

That last part is so important that it bears repeating.

What he's saying is that you can fly as a sport pilot without a medical certificate, under a sort of "don't ask, don't tell" paradigm--but if you apply for any class of medical certificate and are denied, you'll lose even the sport pilot option.

[Sidious]

You could also fly as a Sport Pilot Instructor under the same applicability and eligibility of a Sport Pilot. If you're interested in the required time for a Sport Pilot Instructor look at 61.409.

Thats about the only was you could fly for compensation or hire

Good Luck with whatever you decide!

[marsden]

Dr. Forred, aloft and Sidious, thank you all for your insight and knowledge.

If I'd gotten serious about pursuing a career 10 or more years ago it might have been different.

Oh well.

When a door is closed a window is opened. Now I must look for that window.

Maybe it will be "the don't ask don't tell" Light Sport license or maybe a craft like this, under Far 103 flight rules.

http://airframesunlimited.com/usa1b/usa1b.htm

All I can say is I envy all of you who are Captains, First Officers, and even those enrolled in schools. Good luck to all and Carpe Diem.

Thanks!

[atpwannabe]

marsden:

Man, I'm really sorry to hear that you got the news in terms of not being able to fly commercially. I know that it stings, however the window you mentioned just may be the thing for you. My sincere hope is that it works out for you.

All the best. Blue skies.......forever.



atp

[tlewis95]

Always gliders, no medical, and it is ok if you have ever been denied one, failed one, had it revoked, whatever.

Its fun too! =]

[Firebird2XC]

Never give up the dream!

Without dreams, what good is living?

[BigPoppa]

FYI: Sport pilots can fly a lot more than just ultralights and motorized parachutes. There are a few older planes (J-3 Cubs, etc) that are light enough and have the required flight parameters to be considered light sport aircraft, and there are some brand new light sports being factory built that are every bit as nice as the lower end planes being built by Piper and Cessna. Flying for hire may be out (for now), but not flying cool planes altogether.