AMC11 MED.B.095 Medical examination and assessment of applicants for LAPL medical certificates

ED Decision 2019/002/R

MENTAL HEALTH

(a) Applicants with a mental or behavioural disorder due to use or misuse of alcohol or other psychoactive substances, with or without dependency, should be assessed as unfit. A fit assessment may be considered after a period of two years of documented sobriety or freedom from psychoactive substance use or misuse, subject to satisfactory psychiatric evaluation after successful treatment. At revalidation or renewal, a fit assessment may be considered earlier. Depending on the individual case, treatment and evaluation may include in-patient treatment of some weeks followed by ongoing checks, including blood testing and peer reports, which may be required indefinitely.

(b) Applicants with a history of, or the occurrence of, a functional psychotic disorder should be assessed as unfit. A fit assessment may be considered if a cause can be unequivocally identified as one which is transient, has ceased, and the risk of recurrence is minimal.

(c) Applicants with an established history or clinical diagnosis of schizophrenia, schizotypal or delusional disorder should be assessed as unfit. A fit assessment may only be considered if the original diagnosis was inappropriate or inaccurate as confirmed by psychiatric evaluation or, in the case of a single episode of delirium, provided that the applicant has suffered no permanent impairment.

(d) Psychoactive substances

Applicants who use or misuse psychoactive substances or psychoactive medication likely to affect flight safety should be assessed as unfit. If stability on maintenance psychoactive medication is confirmed, a fit assessment with appropriate limitation(s) may be considered. If the dosage or type of medication is changed, a further period of unfit assessment should be required until stability is confirmed.

(e) Applicants with a psychiatric condition, such as:

(1) mood disorder;

(2) neurotic disorder;

(3) personality disorder;

(4) mental or behavioural disorder

should undergo satisfactory psychiatric evaluation before a fit assessment may be considered.

(f) Applicants with a history of significant or repeated acts of deliberate self-harm should undergo satisfactory psychiatric or psychological evaluation or both before a fit assessment may be considered.

(g) Psychiatric evaluations and reviews may include reports from the applicant’s flight instructor.

(h) Applicants with a psychological disorder may need to be referred for psychological opinion and advice.

(i) In case a specialist evaluation is needed, following the evaluation, the specialist should submit a written report to the AME, AeMC, GMP or medical assessor of the licensing authority as appropriate, detailing their opinion and recommendation.