thank you for the link:Prior to the summer of 2010, the FAA did not approve any of the medications in this category--including serotonin uptake inhibitors (Celexa, Effexor, Prozac, Paxil, and Zoloft) as well as other psychoactive medications (Lithium, Buspar, Elavil, Sinequan, Amitripityline, etc.). These medications are sometimes used for non-psychiatric conditions, but are still not approved for use in flight in this context.from: http://aviationmedicine.com/medications/index.cfmThe FAA generally requires the pilot to wait 60-90 days after completing treatment with the medication. You must submit records of your treatment to the FAA for the agency's approval. Formal psychological testing is often required. VFS can assist with this process.
Starting in April 2010 FAA policy does allow an option for airman to be certified if on monotherapy for at least 12 months with only Celexa, Zoloft, Prozac, or Lexapro. This policy does not apply to controllers. See Depression in the Medical Articles section for more detailed discussion.
If I read this correctly the answer was NO
but now is YES you can fly using SSRIs
You are reading correctly. To have a pilot certificate or an FAA medical certificate is a privilege, not a right. You have to convince the FAA flight surgeon that you are okay. To do that will take time, tests, and money.
I can cite lots of people I know who have gotten their medicals back after heart attacks, cancer, diabetes, etc. I personally don’t know anyone who has had a psychosis diagnosis and has regained their medical.
There are three classes of FAA medical, first, second and third.
You need a first to exercise Airline Transport privileges. You need a second to exercise commercial privileges (crop duster, aerial photography, skydivers, corporate aviation).
A third class would be for private pilots flying for pleasure or in furtherance of their own business.
So if a person lost their first class medical, the FAA might give them a third class, just to minimize risk to the public.