Did Asperger syndrome is an obstacle in obtaining a pilot’s license?

{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }

1 Techwing 12.18.09 at 5:40 am

No, Asperger’s syndrome should not be an obstacle to obtaining a pilot’s license.

First, it’s extremely difficult to even diagnose Asperger’s syndrome, and there are still open questions about the legitimacy of the disorder itself. (Many of the symptoms of Asperger’s are also characteristics of simple introversion or high cognitive ability, both of which are common among pilots.)

Second, most of the characteristics of the syndrome do not directly impact the ability to fly; indeed, some of them might favor the tasks that must be accomplished by pilots.

The FAA considers a personality disorder disqualifying when it interferes with the flying task. In general, unless the Asperger’s has been formally diagnosed and/or there is a history of behavioral problems attributable to the syndrome (clashes with the law, serious problems at work or school, like getting into fights, etc.), or depression and suicidal thoughts have entered the picture, or any medication has been prescribed for the disorder, the FAA allows the medical examiner to grant the medical certification. In other cases, the certification may be deferred to FAA headquarters with plenty of documentation for a decision.

Put another way, unless a disorder has caused significant problems in everyday life, it should not be an issue for obtaining a license. Indeed, if it isn’t serious enough to be apparent during the exam, it’s unlikely to be serious enough to block medical certification.

Leave a Comment