Donald A. Singer

Document ID: FAA-2009-0773-0008
Document Type: Public Submission
Agency: Federal Aviation Administration
Received Date: April 22 2010, at 12:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time
Date Posted: April 27 2010, at 12:00 AM Eastern Standard Time
Comment Start Date: April 5 2010, at 12:00 AM Eastern Standard Time
Comment Due Date: May 5 2010, at 11:59 PM Eastern Standard Time
Tracking Number: 80add70f
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This is comment on Rule

Special Issuance of Airman Medical Certificates to Applicants Being Treated with Certain Antidepressant Medications

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Part 3 of 3: Some would, but many might opt not to seek treatment or not to disclose their antidepressant medication. Professional pilots are another story. How many, no matter how well intentioned, could afford to be without work for a year, and if they could, how many employers would allow it? I feel that these two requirements put such high hurdles in the path of pilots seeking a special issuance that they may well defeat the FAA's purpose and goal in establishing the new policy. I fear that many pilots, when they learn the details, may decide to stay "under the radar," and either continue flying with untreated depression or continue not to report antidepressant use to the FAA. The FAA's decision and most of this policy represent a great first step. It would be a shame to see it fail. Thank you for allowing me to comment. I respectfully request that you reconsider these two provisions.