Depression

[aviategw]

How does the "depression" box on the 1st class physical affect my future with the industry?

I'll try to make a long story short: I was at one point in time diagnosed with clinical depression. I have never taken any meds for this condition, which was temporary. Now, five years later, I am not depressed, have no symptoms, am still taking no meds, and still highly interested in a career in aviation.

Background: I was a young, and relatively naive, Air Force officer. I had just washed out of SUPT (more on this in a bit), my fiance' left me, and my grandfather died, all within the span of three months. I left Mississippi and was assigned to my next base to pursue a career in Public Affairs in south Georgia. Around this time, I recognized that I wasn't coping well with the events of the past few months. I was sent to the base shrink, who concluded that I was depressed. I was told that I could pack my things and receive an Honorable Discharge. I did separate from the Air Force with a form DD214 which listed a 'personality disorder' as the cause for separation.

When I got home, I eventually renewed my 3rd class medical and checked the box 'yes' for clinical depression. My AME asked if it was diagnosed and what meds I was taking. When I explained the situation, and stressed that I wasn't taking any meds, and had no homicidal or suicidal thoughts, he approved my 3rd class medical. I heard nothing from the FAA and all was well. For all of my succeeding medicals, I checked the box 'yes' and provided "no change" as the explanation. Nothing was mentioned when I passed my 2nd class medical.

I want to fly. I washed out of SUPT for a low 'G' tolerance. Seems that whenever the 'Tweet (T-37) took a sharp turn, I needed to take a nap. I tried everything that anyone on the base could think of, even went out to New Mexico to ride the centrifuge, but just couldn't seem to develop a tolerance for Gs. I didn't wash because I couldn't learn to fly the jet, I was actually doing well in my class. In fact, since then, as a civilian, I've earned my instrument, commercial multi and single, and CFI ratings.

I want to fly, and am thinking about trying to make it a career. Do y'all think that my DD214 is going to hold me back? Do the airlines even care about a DD214? I'm in a new city now, and will be seeing a new AME. How should I explain this to him?

[A300Capt]

If you're not already, join AOPA. They have a great aeromedical dept that could answer any of your questions. Or, find a trusted AME and discuss it with him.

I can't answer about the DD214 and future employment. You have to remember though that in these economic times, there are hundreds, if not thousands, of squeaky clean applicants for every flying position and ANY blemish may be a mark against you.

[aviategw]

Thank you, Captain.

I appreciate your response. I've got a pretty well paying job doing computer consulting, and I ride in the back of a lot of Delta flights, but I can't log any of that time. I'm seriously looking into a career change, but, am quite concerned about this issue. I'll never give up on flying, but I am realistic in that I have some obstacles in front of me. I'm just trying to sort them out.

Once I straighten this out, my future plans include going to a 141 school somewhere, possibly DCA in Sanford, to get the CFII and MEI and starting to build some time.

Thanks,

G

[EatSleepFly]

Why not instruct part time while working your other job? Then you're building time, and you don't have to dine on top Ramen every night.

Also...I wouldn't go to a huge school for your CFII/MEI. You already have the hard part done. I have no experience with them, but I've heard ATP is good (and fairly speedy) for add-ons, and I think they have a place in Atlanta.

Good luck!