AOPA Pilot Magazine - August 2013 - 104

NEWS & NOTES

ON THE

WEB

MEMBER SERVICES

AOPA Pilot Protection Services guards both your pilot and medical
certificates to protect your freedom to fly (www.aopa.org/pps).

FAA and depression: Antidepressant use
ON APRIL 4, 2010, the Federal Air Surgeon announced
new policy guidelines for the use of a class of medications known as SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake
inhibitors). Currently there are only four medications that are acceptable: Celexa, Lexapro, Prozac,
and Zoloft. These medications are believed to have the
least demonstrated side effects. Guidelines for their
use include:
1. The airman must have been on the same dosage
of the medication for 12 months without any changes;
2. The airman cannot have had any suicidal
thoughts or acts as part of their depressive episode;
3. The FAA will consider airmen who are being
treated for conditions other than depression, such as
migraine headache or irritable bowel syndrome.
The Federal Air Surgeon is considering lowering the
12-month time on medication requirement. However,

BY WARREN
SILBERMAN, D.O.

AOPA Pilot
Protection Services

if the medication is discontinued, the airman should wait 90 days
and provide medical records that explain what symptoms they
had when they were placed on the medication and a current status report that includes how they responded to treatment, reaction
when the medication was discontinued, and how they are functioning now that they are no longer taking the medication.
The FAA’s Office of Aerospace Medicine Policy in Washington,
D.C., reports that from April 2010 until June 2012 it had authorized
special issuances for 79 airmen of all medical classes and denied 19.
Dr. Warren Silberman is the former manager of FAA Aerospace
Medical Certification and a doctor of osteopathic medicine. A pilot
since 1986, he is recognized nationally as an expert in aerospace/
preventative medicine.

THE ANNUAL MEETING OF THE MEMBERS OF the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association will be held at 12 noon on Friday, September
6, 2013, at the headquarters of AOPA, 421 Aviation Way, Frederick, Maryland, located on the Frederick Municipal Airport (FDK),
for the purpose of receiving reports and transacting such other business as may properly come before the meeting, specifically
including the election of trustees.
—John S. Yodice, Secretary

CONTACT AOPA
AOPA FOUNDATION
ADDRESS CHANGE?

Send your new address and AOPA
membership number to AOPA:
421 Aviation Way
Frederick, Maryland 21701-4798
Fax: 301-695-2375
www.aopa.org/coa-form.html
TOLL-FREE PILOT
INFORMATION CENTER

800-USA-AOPA (872-2672)
www.aopa.org

AOPA AIRCRAFT INSURANCE

AIR SAFETY INSTITUTE

AOPA AIRCRAFT PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM

AOPA CREDIT CARD PROGRAM

AOPA PILOT PROTECTION SERVICES

AOPA AIRCRAFT FINANCING

AOPA RENTAL CAR PROGRAM

800-955-9115
www.aopafoundation.org
800-638-3101
www.airsafetyinstitute.org
800-523-7666
www.aopa.org/info/cc

800-627-5263
www.aopafinance.com

800-622-AOPA (622-2672)
www.aopainsurance.org
800-622-AOPA (622-2672)
www.aopa.org/aircraftpartnership
800-USA-AOPA (872-2672)
www.aopa.org/pps
866-315-9155
www.aopa.org/cars

NEW EXTENDED PILOT INFORMATION CENTER HOURS

Now you can enjoy a whole new level of access to the team of aviation experts in our Pilot Information Center with our convenient
extended weekday hours. The Pilot Information Center is now available until 8 p.m. Eastern time every weekday. Call 800-USA-AOPA
(872-2672) Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. until 8 p.m. Eastern time, with your questions and our staff will be happy to assist you.
WEB Visit the website (www.aopa.org/aopaplus) to learn about upgrading to the AOPA Plus membership.

104 | AOPA PILOT August 2013

http://www.aopa.org/pps http://www.aopa.org/pps http://www.aopa.org/pps http://www.aopafoundation.org http://www.aopainsurance.org http://www.airsafetyinstitute.org http://www.aopa.org/aircraftpartnership http://www.aopa.org/coa-form.html http://www.aopa.org/info/cc http://www.aopa.org/pps http://www.aopa.org http://www.aopafinance.com http://www.aopa.org/cars http://www.aopa.org/aopaplus

AOPA Pilot Magazine - August 2013

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of AOPA Pilot Magazine - August 2013