Will I fail a flight physical if I'm on prescription of amphetamines?

2019-05-21T23:07:26-04:00

I'm currently on Vyvanse to treat ADHD, I believe this drug is very effective to treat those who have ADD. At least it has been very beneficial for me. My question is whether the Army flight physical allows soldiers to get a flight status when on medication like this? Is it possible to get a waiver? I will appreciate any information from anyone with some knowledge on the topic.

Response by SFC Michael D. made May 21 at 2019 11:11 PM

2019-05-21T23:11:03-04:00

When I became a Flight Medic the physical was very strict. No telling we the criteria is now. I remember you couldn’t be color blind or diabetic. Now I don’t know.

Response by CPT Nicholas D. made May 22 at 2019 6:40 AM

2019-05-22T06:40:32-04:00

I’m not a Medical Officer, just a pilot, but I always go straight to the Aeromedical Policy Letters (APL), and this is what I found:

“Initial Applicants (Class 1A/1W):
A history of ADHD is disqualifying. Exceptions to policy are sometimes granted for initial flight applicants provided all the information below is submitted for review by USAAMA.

0 Detailed clinical interview by a clinical psychologist or psychiatrist to include developmental, academic, employment, psychiatric, social, drug, alcohol, criminal driving infraction and medication history, with special attention to other psychiatric conditions that may contribute to symptoms.

0 Review of treatment records.

0 If clinical interview and records review suggest normal attention or inappropriate diagnosis of ADHD in childhood or
adolescence this may be noted as “information only.”

0 If interview and records review suggest positive findings for ADHD, a detailed neuropsychological assessment to include cognitive domains, IQ, and achievement testing is required. If treatment includes the use of medication(s), this assessment should be conducted both on and off medication. An in-flight performance evaluation in either actual aircraft or a simulator is recommended concurrent with each of the neuropsychological assessments to add ecological validity.

0 Continuous Performance Testing (e.g., Conners, Integrated Visual and Auditory Continuous Performance Test, TOVA) is recommended

FOLLOW-UP: The diagnosis of childhood ADHD that has not required treatment since adolescence, and does not prove to be currently impacting the individual based on testing, will not require annual follow-up. Those diagnosed with adult ADHD will require annual follow up with a treating psychologist or psychiatrist.”

So ADHD alone could great some major obstacles. I tried looking for the prescription you are taking, but unless it’s an OTC anti-inflammatory (Motrin/ibuprofens), there’s a likely chance it is on a no-no list.

Lastly, please don’t take this as discouragement, more of a reality check... but if you suffer from being unable to focus and maintain attention for long periods of time (without the use of medication), Aviation is going to be a very challenging occupation to perform. The margin for error is very small, and there’s a lot responsibility being on the controls.

But with that said, sincerely, Good Luck!