What mental illnesses disqualify you from being a pilot?


What mental illnesses disqualify you from being a pilot? However, certain medical conditions such as a psychosis, bipolar disorder and some types of personality disorder automatically disqualify a pilot from obtaining an FAA medical certificate. Former FAA Administrator Steve Dickson addressed pilot mental health at the University of North Dakota Mental Health Summit.


Can you be autistic and be a pilot?

Nevertheless, language skills and cognitive development are not impaired and someone diagnosed with Asperger syndrome may be able to acquire the skills necessary to function safely as a pilot or air traffic controller.


Can you fly with a history of depression?

The regulations are strict, yes, and make maintaining flight status a challenge. But they don't preclude someone with a mental health condition from flying. You can be a pilot if you have depression. Treatment options and growing awareness about mental health in the workplace provide hope.


Do airline pilots suffer from depression?

While mental health symptoms are common in airline pilots, getting help can affect their ability to work in a big way.


Can you be a pilot with ADHD?

Due to the risks to flight safety posed by ADHD, regulatory authorities worldwide consider ADHD a disqualifying condition for pilots. Unfortunately, pilots sometimes fail to disclose ADHD to their Aviation Medical Examiner (AME).


How many pilots suffer from mental illness?

The team conducted a survey of more than 1,000 pilots worldwide in 2019 and found that 18% had moderate depression and 80% moderate burnout.


Can an introvert become an airline pilot?

Did you know that introverts make great pilots? One pilot wrote on Reddit: “Yes, I'm introverted. Plenty of alone time to be had as an airline pilot. Sometimes you don't even have to talk to the guy next to you if you don't want.”