Can I become a pilot with bipolar disorder?

Question

I have been diagnosed in the past but have been off my meds and doing well for over three months. I know that I am automatically disqualified for the medical, but will the FAA give me special issuance with this disorder?

Answer 1

I hope not.

Answer 2

Nope.  Sorry, but you can always work in another capacity at an airline.  

Answer 3

Sorry, you are disqualified from receiving a FAA medical certificate. No SI in this instance.

see (3)

§ 67.307   Mental.

Mental standards for a third-class airman medical certificate are:

(a) NO ESTABLISHED MEDICAL HISTORY OR CLINICAL DIAGNOSIS OF ANY OF THE FOLLOWING:

(1) A personality disorder that is severe enough to have repeatedly manifested itself by overt acts.

(2) A psychosis. As used in this section, “psychosis” refers to a mental disorder in which—

(i) The individual has manifested delusions, hallucinations, grossly bizarre or disorganized behavior, or other commonly accepted symptoms of this condition; or

(ii) The individual may reasonably be expected to manifest delusions, hallucinations, grossly bizarre or disorganized behavior, or other commonly accepted symptoms of this condition.

(3) A bipolar disorder.

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