| GENERAL INFORMATION
|
|
| KEYWORDS
|
Depression, Psychiatric disorder, Antidepressants
|
| FILE NO.
|
W-1956-01
|
| SECTOR (Marine or Aviation)
|
Aviation
|
| SPECIFIC JOB
|
Helicopter pilot
|
| DIAGNOSIS (Primary, Secondary, etc.)
|
Depression
|
| REVIEW
|
|
| DATE OF DETERMINATION
|
July 28, 2000
|
| MEMBER
|
Dr. Anthony Lam
|
| DETERMINATION
|
The Minister of Transport’s decision is confirmed.
|
| REASONS FOR THE DETERMINATION
|
Refusal to renew a medical certificate — The applicant was diagnosed as suffering from depression for which he was taking the antidepressant medication Paxil. He provided evidence, through oral testimony from his co-workers, that he was an excellent pilot and very safety conscious while on Paxil. The Minister of Transport’s representative stated that Paxil is one of the drugs not approved for flying, and no member countries of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) allow the use of antidepressants among pilots. The Tribunal member sympathizes with the applicant, but until there is specific scientific evidence to show Paxil is safe in flying, any pilots who are on Paxil should be grounded until Paxil is no longer required for six months and favourable assessment is received. The Minister of Transport’s decision is confirmed.
|
| APPEAL
|
|
| DATE OF DECISION
|
November 17, 2000
|
| MEMBERS
|
Allister Ogilvie, Dr. David Ahmed, E. David Dover
|
| DECISION
|
The appeal is dismissed. The Minister of Transport’s decision is confirmed.
|
| REASONS FOR THE DECISION
|
There is indisputable evidence that the appellant suffers from depression for which he is taking the sedating antidepressant drug Paxil. The fact that one is doing well on medication prescribed for a disease does not mean that the receiver of the medication is not suffering from that particular condition. The appeal panel of the Civil Aviation Tribunal confirms the decision of the Minister of Transport to refuse renewal of the appellant medical certificate.
|
| OTHER/COMMENTS
|
|
|
|
|