Ask My Sky Mom. Aviation wit and wisdom.

I haven’t approached anyone else (dentist, teacher, etc) about this. I want to learn how to fly and earn a private, perhaps even commercial pilot’s license. I have a history of mental ill health, though. When I was 11, I tried to kill myself, and at 16 I started self-harming (there are visible scars on my arm). I also had bulimia.  The worst was 5-6 years ago. Will this affect my aviation medical examinations?

Thanks,

Time to See Some Dreams Come True

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Hiya Dreamy,

Firstly, thanks for being brave enough to ask. You aren’t the only person out there who’s had these issues come up, and it surely will make a difference for you on your quest for your pilot certificate. Actually, to be a little more specific, it’ll change the way you go about applying for a medical certificate, which is a necessity depending upon what type of pilot certificate you choose to pursue. Should you desire a private pilot certificate, you’ll need a third class medical. To exercise the privileges of a commercial pilot certificate, you’ll need a second class medical. Sport pilot, m’dear? No medical required. Let’s take a closer look.

For starters, one of the yes/no questions posed on the medical certificate application, be it of the first, second or third class variety,  concerns whether the applicant has ever attempted suicide. Checking yes (as you must-lying to the feds will get you in a whole lot of trouble when the truth comes to light) does not automatically disbar you, though it will require the provision of additional information to your AME (Aviation Medical Examiner) before your medical certificate can be granted. The fact that it happened when you were young is often a mitigating factor. They will ask for additional evaluations, at their discretion. In some cases, the FAA has been known to issue medical certificates of shorter duration than standard, contingent upon continued monitoring.

OK. So there is a possibility here, though no guarantee. Before you call your friendly AME to get the ball rolling, though, there’s something else that you should know. Sport pilot certification requires no medical certificate, just a driver’s license. Yes, it will limit your flying somewhat, but it’s still a wonderful option for many people. Consider this: If you apply for a medical certificate and are denied, you will not be able to go the sport pilot route. Should you choose not to apply for a medical, you can earn a sport pilot certificate and exercise those privileges. Should you apply for one and have it denied, sport pilot is off the table. It’s a fairly weighty choice you’re faced with. My recommendation? Join AOPA. Call them. They have a whole department full of people who specialize in advising pilots and would be student pilots on the ins and outs of medical certification, among other things. This service is included in your membership, which will also be a valuable educational resource for you whichever way you choose to pursue this dream. They’ll be able to help you prepare as effectively as possible for the application process if you choose to pursue it, or help you find the nearest flight school that can help you become a sport pilot if that’s the way you choose to go. Who knew you had so many choices? Best of luck as you weigh your options.

And as you consider the best way to take flight, might I add that I truly hope you’re finding the best ways you can to take care of yourself now. You say that the worst has passed. If you’re still finding yourself in a difficult position, I encourage you to seek out more resources to help you smooth the way ahead. If you’d like help with this step, let me know. I’ll do what I can to help you find the best resources for whatever stage you’re at on this wonderful journey you’re presently preparing for.

Keep in touch, kiddo, and best of luck!

Mom