What disqualifies you from being a pilot?

Author: Garret Fahey  |  Last update: Friday, December 26, 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 can prevent me from being a pilot?

DUI or felony record, drug use, inability to pass a first class medical (if you want to fly commercially), and the inability to perform, be it with testing or on check rides. Some people just aren't cut out for it. And finally, you best have a passion for aviation, because that will carry you through the tough times.

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 disqualifies you from an airline pilot background check?

An applicant will be disqualified if he or she was convicted, pled guilty (including 'no contest'), or found not guilty by reason of insanity for any of the following felonies regardless of when they occurred: Espionage or conspiracy to commit espionage. Sedition or conspiracy to commit sedition.

5 Reasons NOT To Become an Airline Pilot - FlyingWithGarrett Ep. 13

How far back do pilot background checks go?

Airlines, most cruise lines, and other safety sensitive positions in the travel industry require you submit to an in-depth 10 year background check.

Is ADHD a disqualifier for pilots?

Over the years we've had many prospective students ask us if they can become airline pilots if they have ADHD. As is the case with many health concerns, the FAA may issue you a medical certificate—and you can, therefore, become a pilot—if you have or have had a history of having ADHD.

Does anxiety disqualify you from being a pilot?

The FAA encourages pilots to seek help if they have a mental-health condition since most, if treated, do not disqualify a pilot from flying. In fact, only about 0.1% of medical certificate applicants who disclose health issues are denied.

How many people fail becoming a pilot?

Many people have dreamt of becoming a pilot on some level, either private or commercial. However, according to the data collected by the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), statistics show that the dropout rate for student pilots is close to 80%, which is relatively high.

Is it easy to get hired as a pilot?

Challenging Career Path

Most airlines require 1,500 hours of experience before even considering a candidate. This can take several years to obtain, depending on the type of job you get initially. There are ways to fast-track your career, however, and no airline has the exact same hiring standards or process.

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.

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.

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 exempts 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.

What is the hardest thing to become a pilot?

Many future pilots think the hardest part will be learning to fly the plane, but any certified pilot will tell you that the hard part is the bookwork. Like any kind of school, some students breeze through the bookwork while others struggle.

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 hard is it to pass pilot school?

It is hard to become a pilot, and the academic challenges might be more than many students expect. Flight schools that offer students the ability to work at their own pace and have well organized ground schools can help students learn the aeronautic science they will need to succeed.

How many people wash out of pilot training?

It is amazing our aviation industry has survived this long while sustaining an amazing 80% drop out rate. Only one person in five actually makes it from first walking in the door of a flight school to becoming a certified pilot.

What is the passing rate for pilots?

What Is the Pass Rate for the FAA Pilot Checkride? The pass rate for the FAA Checkride varies but averages around 77% to 80%. This indicates that most candidates pass, but preparation is key to avoiding mistakes.

Can ADHD stop you from being a pilot?

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), formerly called Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), and medications used for treatment may result in cognitive deficits that would make an airman unsafe to perform pilot duties.

What mental conditions disqualify you for FAA?

All applicants with any of the following conditions must be denied or deferred:
  • Attention Deficit Disorder.
  • Bipolar Disorder.
  • Personality Disorder.
  • Psychosis.
  • Substance Abuse.
  • Substance Dependence.
  • Suicide Attempt.

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 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.

How long does it take to become a pilot?

It takes three months to become a private pilot. In two and a half years, you can become a commercial airline pilot. Learn how you can become a pilot with ATP Flight School.

How does the FAA find out you have ADHD?

FAA Fast Track ADHD Interview

The purpose of the interview is to review your documents, gather a detailed history, and evaluate you for ADHD and other symptoms. Often, a structured interview will be used for part of the visit, to consider all ADHD core symptoms.

Previous article
Does red hair fade to blonde?
Next article
How can I look cute without mascara?