Anxiety? You Have Options.
Anxiety disorders are certifiable conditions. The FAA has well-established pathways for pilots managing anxiety — but your specific medication matters more than you might think.
Therapy vs. Medication: Different Paths
If you're managing anxiety with therapy alone, you may qualify for the CACI pathway — your AME can issue your certificate on the spot. If you're on an approved antidepressant, you'll go through the HIMS pathway with a 3-month stabilization period.
The key factor is your medication. The FAA has specific lists of approved and disqualified medications.
Benzodiazepines Are Disqualifying
This is the most important thing to know: benzodiazepines are disqualifying while in use. This includes Xanax, Ativan, Klonopin, and Valium. If you're currently on one of these, you'll need to work with your doctor on an alternative before pursuing certification.
However, approved SSRIs and certain other antidepressants used for anxiety are acceptable through the HIMS pathway.
Know Your Path Before You Apply
Your certification pathway depends on your diagnosis, treatment approach, specific medications, and certificate class. Our assessment analyzes your situation and gives you a personalized roadmap — including what to do if you need to change medications.
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