Page 39 - Fall 2019 JMSB Newsletter

Depression and Anxiety in Pilots: A Qualitative Study of SSRI Usage in U.S. Aviation and Evaluation of FAA Standards and Practices Compared to ICAO States
Abstract
Before 2010, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) prohibited airmen from exercising the privileges of pilot in command (PIC) of an aircraft or obtaining a medical certificate if one had been diagnosed with anxiety, depression, and/or taking an SSRI medication. The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and other ICAO States began evaluating airmen suffering from anxiety, depression, and/or taking an SSRI medication in early 2000. In 2018, a qualitative study was conducted that evaluated FAA medical certification standards for airmen suffering from mood disorders and compared them against medical certification standards of other ICAO State agencies and ICAO recommended practices. U.S. pilot perceptions regarding the certification process were also evaluated, and responses were compared to industry practices. Findings from this study concluded that while FAA certification standards may be comparable to other ICAO States, general views regarding agency acceptance of mental health disorders can vary widely across State agencies.