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Rants / Debates (Serious)
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Should Pilots on Anti-Depressants Be Able to Fly?
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I say no. It sounds mean but I'm on two anti-depressants and I know that sometimes they don't work. I'd rather not trust my life to someone who could possibly be suicidal that day.
Well it does sound like they need to be psychologically approved - I don't think a pilot that severely depressed will be allowed to fly.So I say yes - the rules say they need to be on the med for one year to ascertain their stability and potential side effects. I'm on Paxil, and if I knew how to fly, there is no impediment caused by the drug. As a matter of fact, I'm far better off and much sharper, more efficient.
This is a medical decision. Any industry that depends on individuals to be alert and exercise good situational and operational judgement has standards that are based on medical evaluations. There are also federal regulations that govern the use of prescription meds while operating airplanes, trains, trucks, etc.
So...like Buns said, would you rather them on or off the anti-depressants, Larry? Case by case basis? Do those federal regulations related to trucks, etc. address anti-depressants in particular?
They are subject to random and other testing, at the time of which they must declare any medications that might show up. I don't know the details of the regs anymore, as far as what's allowed and what isn't. Generally, anything that can affect alertness or judgment is prohibited -- and physicians make those decisions.I would worry more about alcohol intake, myself.
I remember one case of a pilot who was diabetic. As he approached a landing, his judgement was clouded by his low blood sugar condition. The cockpit tape showed all he wanted to talk about was where the nearest food was in relation to the gate they were heading to. He chose to not use the standard, precision landing technique, coming in too fast and too low. They ended up going off the end of the runway because he couldn't stop.
The big lesson from that one was that the first officer and navigator failed to take action when they knew the captain was screwing up.
That's interesting, Larry, and makes sense, what you said in post 7.I don't mean to sound argumentative but I'm confused by some of this and feel like I don't understand. Here's where I'm at, let me know if I'm wrong on anything:
1. People on anti-depressants cannot fly.
2. People who are depressed but not on anti-depressants can fly.
3. Therefore, people who seek out treatment for their depression could lose their jobs for a year, while people who remain depressed but do not seek treatment for their depression could continue to fly.
So...the airline is worried about either A) the medication's side effects, or B) the indication that taking anti-depressants means one is depressed. Or both.
I don't know. I agree with Misha in that a year is a long time. What's the person supposed to do for that year?
Yeah, I would argue that the diabetic guy you described is way more dangerous than somebody on Lexipro. Are diabetics allowed to fly? If so, following the anti-depressant logic, why are they allowed to fly?(Just to be clear, I'm ok with diabetics flying, the pilots can have my peanuts or whatever.)
That probably sums it up pretty well. Airline pilot culture is not far removed from military, since most pilots are trained in the military and fly there for several years first. In that culture, any admission of having psychiatric disorders is implicitly discouraged. A "real" flyer will tough it out and not need any kind of treatment.
I'm not saying it makes sense -- but people get grounded for sillier reasons than that.
Ah. The military culture connection makes sense. Hadn't thought of that.
Very true, M.I think the diabetic captain was another example of the military macho man that doesn't need any help from you, thank you, and don't get any ideas about trying to take control away from me when I'm about to put everyone at risk.
I prefer my pilots take antidepressants if they need them.
i agree with earlier posts in that what we don't want is pilots hiding conditions in fear of losing their jobs. i think confidential evaluations and medical screening is good enough for me with a determination made of their ability to fly a plane effectively and safely when properly treated
I say yes. I was surprised to hear they couldn't already. You just encourage them to hide their depression otherwise or else risk losing their jobs.