Expert Opinion
The slippery slope of the FAA's antidepressant policy change

Matt ThurberThe

Matt ThurberThe debate about whether to allow pilots who use antidepressant medication to continue flying is ongoing, and recently the Air Line Pilots Association asked the FAA to extend the comment period on the agency's planned policy change. The FAA wants to allow pilots who use selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) to obtain medical certificates, provided they are carefully evaluated and monitored. While there are some concerns about whether pilots should be allowed to use antidepressants, Australia has permitted this since 1989, with no increase in the normal accident rate.

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Matt Thurber
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