I’m a new CHADD member and first-time poster but I’ve known about CHADD for a long-time. Not sure why I didn’t join before as my son’s ADHD has been the dominating factor in our family life for 19 years!
Anyway, I’m writing to ask whether anyone knows why people on AdHD meds are prohibited from becoming licensed to pilot commercially. This seems to be a somewhat new FAA rule. Apparently people with ADHD that are not on meds are ok, but if you’re on meds that help focus you then you can’t be licensed. Doesn’t that seem backwards?
It’s my son’s lifelong dream to become a pilot. 🥲Thanks for any insights.
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PNWkayaker
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The meds show up in a urine test as methamphetamine and those are regulated substances. Unless the FAA is specifically stating them as "ADHD medications" - that would be a whole different thing and sounds like discrimination - they are likely saying that methamphetamine are not allowed.
It is the same for athletes that require testing. I am wondering if there is any accommodation for explaining and showing a prescription?
He can still get his pilots license and then figure out how to jump through some of the hoops later. I wouldn't say this is the end of his dream by any stretch. I would think ADHDers would make better than average pilots, but I am biased.
I suggest looking into the details and seeing what if any areas of negotiation exist. Have him put his creative brain to this and find out all he can.
BLC89
Full disclosure: I am an Adult & Parent ADHD coach and have been married to ADHD for nearly 30 years. I have raised two kids (20 & 22) with ADHD.
Thank you BLC89. I appreciate the encouragement. It does specify ADHD. I’ll try to add the language here. And yes, that seems like discrimination to me too. Maybe I can check with CHADD’s policy team to learn what they know about why this was put in place. Thanks for responding.
Hello again,I've been thinking on this and if your son is determined to become a pilot he can incorporate some activities into his life to manage his ADHD more naturally and possibly reduce, or get rid of, his need for medication.
There are several studies on exercise and ADHD and how moderate/high cardio can have a big impact on symptoms. For some it can be as effective as medication.
High cardio meaning 30 to 45+ minutes most days at 70% ish max heart rate. For most with ADHD it is easier to do something everyday than 4 times per week. And everyday is great as long as it isn't full out, more isn't better in this case. So think training for endurance rather than speed.
One option other than running is cycling. It seems to have enough going on to keep you present, you can totally geek out about equipment and you can do it your whole life.
Secondly, and this may be the harder sell, is incorporating some sort of meditation into the daily routine. The brain science regarding neuroplasticity supports the impact that mindfulness can have on focus, emotional regulation, and general mental health. There is a ton of research on the subject.
We were designed to move around, pretty much constantly, in nature, appreciating our surroundings and being mindful of our part in all of it, so the combo makes sense.
There are lots of different types of meditation that involve movement if sitting still sounds like torture - although pilots have to sit still quite a bit so maybe it's good training😁
If your son can think of exercise and meditation as "taking his medication" (in essence he would be) that can make it easier to work into daily routines.
Start slow, find activities he likes - running, cycling, moving meditations, what have you - and don't go too overboard to start (that can be a challenge).
This is not a quick fix but results can be seen and felt in 6 to 8 weeks.
Anyway I wanted to pass that along as a possible substitution for his meds.
It's great he has a goal. The only reason I can think of is that the FAA.may not want people with ADHD to be on medication becuase they do not want it to wear off while flying..
If a person started flying with medication then while in the air it wore off, this could be an issue.
I wonder if you could ask a disability lawyer or advicate about this. Your state gov might have reaources too. I would want to dig into what your kid’s rights are under the ADA and also if there are medications that are allowed. Methamphetamine might have its own red flag because it’s performance enhancing (like with truckers) and it may have been involved in accidents/lawsuits etc. Although, sometimes the why isn’t as important as the how are you going to get around the issue.
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