Are you allowed to be a private pilot if you have ADD or are on meds for it? I also wear glasses.?

Question

I thought if I ever got my hands on enough $ I'd go do something really nutty, like private flight lessons :) I don't have perfect eyesight, I've worn glasses since I was 9 yrs old and I was diagnosed with ADD at 7. I've been on meds most of my life for it. Does anyone know what the medical requirements are for eyesight and what about the ADD meds. The paticular kind I'm on is not approved by the FAA ( I looked it up).

Also, how much does a really good quality flight school tend to cost you (total) if you wanted to go all the way gertting certified as a private pilot? (I live in Texas).

Any advice here?

Answer 1

i do believe it is 20/40 vision im not sure contact your local airport where you would be getting you training for that..........

if you ask me ADD is not real its all in the mind  I dont think you need meds but im not you lol... ADD should not have a prob with training if it is approved by FAA and since you said its not try and get one that is.....

Price= 6-10 thousand

for a regular VFR only training averages about 6-8 thousand and to add IFR its about 8-10 thousand. It will take approximately 45 MINIMAL hours it should take about 60 hours for VFR and im unsure of IFR but it is all up to the CFI(certified flight instructor) to how long it will take really...

hope this helps!!

Answer 2

If you are on unapproved meds, you cannot have a valid medical certificate of any class, which means you cannot obtain a private pilot's license or act as pilot in command even if you have one.

Depending on how important this is to you, you may able to get off your meds or change to meds the FAA approves. This carries various risks and you would need to discuss it with your regular physician. You will still have a tough time getting your medical, but it's not impossible. If this is you're life's dream, you are not completely shut out.

However, if you can get a driver's license, you can fly as a sport pilot. You can't fly at night, can only fly slow, light craft, and can only carry a single passenger.

As for cost, I would say that to get a PPL, you're looking at $6,000 to $10,000. It mostly depends on what plane you fly, how quickly you learn, and how much effort you put into it.

Answer 3

I'm sure there are some sight requirements. I don't think you could get another pilot in the plane with you to teach you.

Answer 4

It's great to see another Texan looking to get into aviation! The ADD will be a hurdle for you to overcome, but there are things you can do.

Vision

The vision should not hold you up. Your vision does not have to be perfect to become a civilian pilot, as long as your glasses correct your vision. You can read the vision requirements for a 3rd class medical here:

http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/tex...

Medications

If your medicine is not approved, as you have already discovered, then it will be disqualifying while you are taking that medication. It will be between you and your treating physician to determine if discontinuing your medication, or changing to an approved medication, is appropriate for you.

ADD

The condition itself requires evaluation and approval from the FAA based on your personal case history. You would be required to submit any information from your treating physician, and then they will decide.

http://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/head...

You can locate an Aviation Medical Examiner here:

http://www.faa.gov/pilots/amelocator/

Sometime pilots use third party services to get information about their own medical conditions, or to help them with the FAA paperwork. Any consultation with them remains confidential, since they do not connected with the FAA. Here is an example of one:

http://www.aviationmedicine.com/index.cf...

Sport or Ultralight Aircraft

You might consider flying these aircraft as you do not require a medical certificate.

You can read the regulations for sport pilots here:

http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/tex...

You can read medical FAQ's for sport pilots below. Do keep in mind that if you try to apply for a regular 3rd class medical, and it is denied, then you will be unable to fly sport aircraft.

http://www.sportpilot.org/faqs/Medical%2...

You can read the regulations about ultralights here:

http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/tex...

You can also learn more here:

http://www.sportpilot.org/

Cost

The minimum requirement for a private pilot certificate is 40 hours of flight training. It is not at all uncommon to go beyond the minimum, and 60 hours would be a reasonable estimate assuming consistent training. If your average cost is $130 per hour for instruction, then 60 hours will be $7800. Your exam fees, ground school, books, supplies, etc. will be in addition to that. You might expect another $500-$1000 depending on how much stuff you buy and how much your DPE charges. Training consistently and at least 2-3 times per week will be the best way to minimize your expenses.

Good luck and have fun!

Answer 5

Only an FAA flight surgeon can properly evaluate your ADD.  (FWIW I happen to agree that it's behavioral NOT physiological.  Off my soapbox.)  Obviously if your med's aren't approved-you ain't gonna pass the physical.

Don't worry about eyesight for a Class III physical; believe it's like 20/200 correctable.  

In your case, consider the "Sport Pilot" option.  Less hours (about 20 IIRC) and much cheaper than a full-up PPL. You will have some restrictions though.