The FAA, embracing the idea that depression is a treatable illness, on April 2 announced a policy change that will allow pilots taking certain antidepressants to maintain flying privileges.

Under the old policy, pilots were denied a medical certificate and prohibited from flying if they used antidepressant medications, noted FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt, adding that better science and better understanding of the condition and the medications used to treat it led the agency to make the change.

Exhaustive FAA-led research in 2008-2009, plus recommendations from reputable aviation associations, including the Aerospace Medical Association, helped lay the foundation.

Under the new policy that goes into effect April 5, the FAA will evaluate issuing a special waiver on 1st, 2nd or 3rd class medical certificates to individuals who demonstrate they are being treated for depression and who remain stable, that is, exhibit no untoward side effects, when taking the following antidepressants for a 12-month period: Fluoxetine (Prozac), Sertraline (Zoloft), Citalopram (Celexa) or Escitalopram (Lexapro).