Hello. I am currently a high school junior who wants to be a pilot. However, I have been to the Emergency Room and Mental Hospital for attempted sui**de. When I try and get a pilots license, will they check my record and see that I have attempted and been hospitalised? How do I approach becoming a pilot with my past history. I have been over a year without self harm, but feel like I won’t be able to be a pilot because of it.
10 Likes
Hi!
First off, I’m sorry you had that experience. The FAA does review medical records. You will have to have an exam with an AME (that’s standard fare for all pilots), and mental health is a part of that discussion, including reviewing any history of psychiatric issues.
As of now, a previous history of suicide attempts is not automatically disqualifying. The FAA guidance for doctors is that it requires further evaluation. The ultimate decision of whether an applicant with such a history is eligible for medical certification rests with the FAA.
I’m not exactly sure what further evaluation would be done - it might be outside the scope of an AME, so they may refer you to a psychologist or other mental health professional.
For you, I think the best first step would be to schedule an appointment with an AME. You don’t even need to get an exam, you can just have a conversation with them.
Good luck!
https://www.faa.gov/ame_guide/app_process/app_history/item18/p
8 Likes
Thank you 
1 Like