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difficult. It requires visiting with an HIMS AME, an AME with special training in “Human Intervention and Motivation Study” programs. These programs were originally set up to deal with pilots who had substance abuse issues and have now been expanded to deal with pilots on SSRI medications. There are only about 200 HIMS AMEs in the country, so finding one may present issues for pilots who live away from large metropolitan areas.
The very few approved psy- chiatric medications and the difficulties in getting a medical certificate when taking one of those specific medications presents a real dilemma for a pilot. On the one hand, if a pilot has a true psychiatric condition and needs medication then he ought to be on medication, even if this will make it difficult for him to fly. On the other hand, if a pilot can do without such medication he can continue to fly, but if his symptoms are significant he may actually be more at risk than a pilot who is properly medicated. It’s a real Catch 22. It will be interesting to see how, or if, the FAA addresses this problem when it issues rules implementing the medical certification reform promised in the Pilot’s Bill of Rights (PBOR) II legislation. KA
Dr. Jerrold Seckler is retired after practicing medicine (urology) for over 40 years and as an active AME for 25 years. He has over 6,000 total hours, 2,200 of those in his 2001 Cirrus SR22. He is an ATP, CFII, former COPA Board Member and a ground instructor at CPPPs.
The items discussed in this column are related to experiences by Dr. Seckler in his many years as an AME, and made hypothetical for the article. Any information given is general in nature and does not constitute medical advice.
NOVEMBER 2016
KING AIR MAGAZINE • 13