The FAA’s plan to allow pilots to continue flying while taking antidepressant medication has finally generated a decent amount of public comment. As of early last month, there was only one comment from an individual in the rules docket, along with 10 other pieces of information such as the rule change itself and supporting materials. The FAA extended the comment period from May 5 to June 25 at the request of the Air Line Pilots Association International, and as this issue went to press, the total number of comments had reached 56. Comments range from support of the new policy to condemnation, and both viewpoints were expressed by medical professionals.
According to comments by Randy Helling, ALPA vice president of finance/treasurer, at a May 4 board meeting, ALPA aeromedical office doctor Quay Snyder submitted questions to the FAA about how the agency plans to implement the new policy. Because the FAA did not answer ALPA’s questions, the association asked the FAA for the 45-day extension so it could answer Quay’s questions before ALPA submits its comments.
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