The Call for FAA Regulation Change: Why Individuals with ADHD and ADHD Medication Prescriptions Should Be Permitted to Become Pilots

Authors

Clare Kelley, Case Western Reserve University School of Law

Recommended Citation

Clare Kelley, The Call for FAA Regulation Change: Why Individuals with ADHD and ADHD Medication Prescriptions Should Be Permitted to Become Pilots, 34 Health Matrix 373 (2024)
Available at: https://scholarlycommons.law.case.edu/healthmatrix/vol34/iss1/4

Abstract

This paper delves into the pressing need for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to reconsider its regulations concerning individuals with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and those prescribed ADHD medications who aspire to become pilots. The current FAA regulations exhibit a rigid and outdated understanding of ADHD and its treatment, leading to the exclusion of a growing number of individuals from the aviation industry. Through an analysis of studies demonstrating the safety and efficacy of ADHD medications in improving driving performance and reducing accident risks, this paper advocates for a shift in the FAA's stance. Societal factors, such as the increasing prevalence of ADHD diagnoses and the need for inclusivity in aviation, further underscore the necessity for regulatory change. By reevaluating its policies and aligning them with current scientific evidence and societal needs, the FAA can promote diversity and enhance safety within the pilot community. [Abstract generated by AI]