What conditions can you not have as a pilot?

Author: Edgar Bashirian  |  Last update: Friday, October 17, 2025

These medical conditions include a personality disorder manifested by overt acts, a psychosis, alcoholism, drug dependence, epilepsy, an unexplained disturbance of consciousness, myocardial infarction, angina pectoris, and diabetes requiring medication for its control.

What conditions disqualify you from being a pilot?

What medical conditions does the FAA consider disqualifying?
  • Angina pectoris.
  • Bipolar disease.
  • Cardiac valve replacement.
  • Coronary heart disease that has been treated or, if untreated, that has been symptomatic or clinically significant.
  • Diabetes mellitus requiring hypoglycemic medications.

What are reasons you can't be a pilot?

Unfortunately, some medical or health issues may cause you to fail the extensive medical examinations required to become a pilot. This includes certain heart diseases, conditions such as epilepsy, poor hearing, bad vision, and even common allergies, as certain allergy medications can make you drowsy.

What mental conditions disqualify you from being a pilot?

However, certain medical conditions such as a psychosis, bipolar disorder and some types of personality disorder automatically disqualify a pilot from obtaining an FAA medical certificate.

Are there any restrictions to becoming a pilot?

You must have a minimum of 1,500 hours of flight time, be over the age of 23 and be able to pass a 1st Class Medical exam. You can receive your Commercial Pilot Certificate at 18, Restricted ATP at 21 and your ATP certificate at 23.

5 Things That Will Prevent/Disqualify You From Getting a Pilot License

What excludes you from being a pilot?

These medical conditions include a personality disorder manifested by overt acts, a psychosis, alcoholism, drug dependence, epilepsy, an unexplained disturbance of consciousness, myocardial infarction, angina pectoris, and diabetes requiring medication for its control.

Does ADHD disqualify you from being a pilot?

The responsibility of the neuropsychologist is to identify any neurocognitive deficit/impairment that has aeromedical significance. Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), is a condition that may be aeromedically disqualifying.

Can I be a pilot if I have anxiety?

According to a corresponding table in the guide labeled Uncomplicated Anxiety, Depression, and Related Conditions, All Classes, a pilot can have “up to two listed conditions treated with any combination of psychotherapy (current or historical); medication: a single mental-health medication last taken, prescribed, or ...

Can I be a pilot if I have a felony?

Can I get a pilot license (certificate) or other FAA certificate if I have a felony conviction? You can get a FAA certificate if you have a felony conviction, unless the conviction is for a drug or alcohol related offense. In that case, you cannot apply for a certificate for up to one year after your final conviction.

How much does it cost to become a pilot?

It costs $116,995 to become a pilot when starting with no previous experience or $86,995 when starting with a private pilot certificate. Both prices include the flight training and certification necessary to become a commercial pilot with flight instructor certificates.

What are 3 negative things about being a pilot?

  • Risk of Injury: Pilots face a high degree of risk when flying. Even experienced pilots can make mistakes, and the consequences can be severe. ...
  • Long Hours: Pilots must often work long hours and be away from home for extended periods of time. ...
  • Stressful Environment: Pilots must be able to handle stressful situations.

Can you be a pilot if you wear glasses?

Can Commercial Pilots Wear Glasses? Yes, commercial and private pilots are allowed to wear glasses while on the job. To fly as a commercial or private pilot, you must first pass a medical exam given by an Aviation Medical Examiner (AME). The exam includes a vision screening and other medical evaluations.

What drugs disqualify you from being a pilot?

Opiates, such as Morphine, Codeine, Lortab, Percodan, Oxycontin. Muscle relaxants, such as Soma, Sonata, Flexeril. Anicholinergics, such as Levsin, Bnetyl, Transderm Scop. Sedating antihistamines, such as Benadryl, Chlorpheniramine, Zyrtec.

Who should not be a pilot?

Hearing Issues

You must be able to hear communications from air traffic control, as well as any sounds that could be a sign of damage to the aircraft. For this reason, the FAA requires that pilots have the ability to hear an average conversational voice at a distance of 6 feet without the use of a hearing aid.

What illnesses prevent you from flying?

if you suffer from or have had:
  • angina or chest pain at rest.
  • an infectious disease (e.g. chickenpox, flu), including COVID-19.
  • decompression sickness after diving (sometimes called 'the bends')
  • increased pressure in the brain (due to bleeding, injury or infection)
  • infection of your ears or sinuses.
  • recent heart attack.

How to get a soda in aviation?

The SODA is issued through a Flight Standards District Office (FSDO) after successful completion of a practical test.

What can stop you from getting a pilot's license?

What medical conditions does FAA consider disqualifying?
  • Angina pectoris.
  • Bipolar disease.
  • Cardiac valve replacement.
  • Coronary heart disease that has been treated or, if untreated, that has been symptomatic or clinically significant.
  • Diabetes mellitus requiring hypoglycemic medications.

Do you have to drug test to be a pilot?

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) mandates that all pilots undergo drug testing to ensure they are capable of performing their duties safely. This includes pre-employment, random, reasonable suspicion, post-accident, and return-to-duty tests.

Can ADHD be a pilot?

Pilots with ADHD can receive a medical certification. However, they must go through a detailed ADHD evaluation if they do not qualify for the fast track. The standard track is very time-consuming and intensive.

How hard is it to become a pilot?

Becoming a pilot is a dream for many, but it's not an easy path. It takes dedication, hard work, and a significant investment of time and money. The journey to becoming a pilot starts with getting a student pilot license. This involves passing a medical exam and a written test.

What mental illnesses disqualify you from being a pilot?

Mental Health Disorders: Severe mental health conditions, such as psychosis, bipolar disorder, or major depression, can disqualify a pilot, particularly if they affect judgment or stability.

Can pilots listen to music?

No, airline pilots are generally prohibited from listening to music during flight operations due to strict cockpit regulations. They must maintain focus, adhere to sterile cockpit rules during critical flight phases, and prioritize passenger safety.

Can the FAA see your medical records?

Within FAA , access to an individual's medical information is strictly on a need to know basis.

Can I be a pilot with autism?

Given the variation in presentations, autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is not automatically disqualifying for aeromedical certification (Class 1, 2, 3 or LAPL). Applicants with ASD can apply for a medical certificate with an aeromedical examiner (AME).

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