Warbird Information Exchange

I gotta' be honest with ya', right now I'm REALLY BUMMED OUT!!

I Was just reading the April issue of "Flight Training" from AOPA and there's an article about disqualifying illnesses and medications. I'm now taking a medication (Lexapro) that's a definite disqualifier.
If I'm reading the AOPA website info correctly, 90 days after I stop taking it, I can re-apply. Does this sound about right to those of you who are familiar with that sort of thing.

I don't know whether to stop my lessons or not. Mrs. Mudge says to continue (and she's usually right ). I don't want to keep paying for lessons if I'm not going to, someday, solo.
She asked if I had any illusions about someday flying a warbird solo and I told her, no. And I don't. I like to think I'm being realistic about that.
I do have some idea of going up in a dual control (relax Bill, I won't even ask :roll ) warbird and being able to fly it. That's, at least, a little more realistic.

Mudge the down

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Land of the free because of the brave

Mudge,

Yes you're reading that correctly, none of the SSRI's are acceptable regardless of the condition that they're prescribed for. The first thing you need to do is see your prescribing physician and let him know about the flight training. What can be done?

Does he feel you can be without the meds? It's really his call on that. If the answer is yes then you have to be off it for at least 90 days. You will need to have a report from your treating doctor summarizing your condition, how it was treated, how long it was treated, the date medicine was discontinued, and your current status. If the symptoms have not recurred and you remain medication-free, the FAA will probably be able to find you qualified for a medical certificate. Thats when you can go see the AME.

If the answer is no, well there is always the Sport Pilot certificate providing you can find a Light Sport Airplane to train in. There are limitations to your priviledges, but at least you can fly on your own eventually.

http://www.aopa.org/sportpilot/

Good Luck!
Pete

Talk to your AME, get a list of approved meds. Take that to the Dr. prescibing the Lexapro. They should be able to stop the medication or switch to to something approved, unless the original medical condition is a disqualifying condition. That's the most improtant, what the original condition was. If Micheal Hunter, an insulin dependant diabetic can fly airshow level aerobatics you should be able too.

O2, MD, FACEP

O2, you a Emergency MD (FACEP)?

I've been a wannabe for 12 years (Paramedic). Don't ride a truck anymore, but those were some fun days!!!!!!

Oh dear. Who said flying was going to be easy? Or even straightforward?

It's a tough moment, but an easy decision, Mudge. If you quit over this, the certain thing is you'll never go on, and you'll regret it. Alternatively, if you work on finding ways around this hurdle, or come up with other solutions, you'll get to continue, and who knows what lies ahead.

You could end up helping out on a two-pilot warbird yet; but you certainly won't if you take this as a serious setback.

HTH, free advice, your mileage may vary, batteries not included, do not operate heavy warbirds while not taking painkillers...

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James K

"Switch on the underwater landing lights"
Emilio Largo, Thunderball.

www.VintageAeroWriter.com

Yup, I just wish I made $$$ like the ER docs on the ER series. Then I could be talking about my O-1, O-2 and OV-10!

Mudge, I'd keep going forward for now, and work with your AME. At the very least you get the sport pilot and build time there. Then once we work out the rest you can sit for your PPL exam. Any time in the air is good time.

Thanks for the advice and encouragement. I talked to my instructor earlier today and he told me about the "no meds for 90 days" thing, too. I'm going to see my PCP tomorrow and tell him I need to stop the Lexapro. I've known the guy for about 10 years so I'm sure he'll say OK.
I'm actually curious to know why the AME didn't point the problem out to me when he read the medical history form that I filled out. I also disclosed that I have type II diabetes and hypertension. He had me get a statement from my PCP that both are well controlled with meds. He sent the whole thing to the FAA. It might be that he saw the reference to Lexapro and decided he'd let the FAA be the "bad guy" to decline my application. I don't know whether the FAA will send me a letter of refusal or not. I can only sit tight and wait.
I'm really having a blast doing the flying and would hate to have to quit. I guess I really wouldn't have to quit. I suppose all I'd need would be a qualified pilot along with me when I go up.
Now I'm pi$$ed. I'm not gonna' give up 'til I've exhausted every possible solution.
I've got this ego thing..."Don't EVER tell me I'm not allowed to do something."

Mudge the persistent

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Land of the free because of the brave

If worse comes to worse, with the Sport Pilot avenue you don't ever have to give up! It's really not much different than a PPL unless you want to fly solo in the big airplanes and or fly for hire. The cub is qualified for sport pilot and several other cool airplanes.

You are NOT allowed to give up.

Warhawk the suicidal.

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It's you and me against the world.

We attack at dawn.

Mudge,
Keep flying. I lost (temporarily) my medical when I reported during my physical that I was taking certain meds. I had to jump through hoops to get it back, but it's worth it. After the initial hoops, you learn to start the process 6 months early and then your medical is always in good standing. Since you haven't soloed yet, keep flying and building hours and experience. Talk to your primary doctor and your FME about the meds and your options.
Also, if you're an AOPA member, call and talk to them. They were very helpful in giving me advise on how to get my medical reinstated and keep it that way.
Good luck and don't give up!
Cindy

Mudge, just my opinion, I have no medical expertise. Don't do anything to damage your health, but maybe you can find an approved substitute. If you LIKE learning to fly, and have the money; this condition won't stop you from continuing lessons and learning as much as any other student, it just won't be solo. Hopefully you will get a weather break soon and really enjoy a flight. If necessary you can stop the meds, and in 90 days have all the training down, and can go on. As for Warbird solo, it doesn't require some super pilot, depending on what you are flying and where. A T-34 is a warbird and is probably easier to fly than the Warrior, just a little faster. You aren't trying to land a F-15 on a carrier! Ever hear of Douglas Bader? He lost both legs in a crash, came within an inch of dying, but eventully became not only an ace and a Knight, but even more of a kick to him a scratch golfer.

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Bill Greenwood
Spitfire N308WK

admit nothing...Period.

At least I hope not!

Perhaps this is where the drugs come into play... they make you think an aircraft carrier is your air field!

Just kidding! I know what you mean!

Good luck Mudge I hope it works out for you and you can continue your flying.

Phantom, anybody can land a F-14 or F-18 on a carrier, can't they? It's been done many times before. So I figured to throw in a little challenge, use one that dosen't even have a hook. Ok, you caught me, I'll have to admit I was thinking of Randy's posts about flying the F-15. Besides all them jets smell alike to me. Have you ever read the story of the pilot landing the Spit (not Seafire) on the carrier, with no practice and no hook? Now there's some flying! If I ever land on one, I hope it is in a Harrier! Actually I would like to try it in my J3 Cub, but I'd have to ask the ship to slow down a little so I could catch up.

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Bill Greenwood
Spitfire N308WK