FAA Situational Depression: Pilot Medical Certificate Rules Explained

Potential pilots often ask whether a history of depression automatically prevents them from getting or renewing an FAA medical certificate. The answer depends on the type of depression. The FAA draws a clear line between situational depression (also called adjustment disorder with depressed mood) and major depressive disorder. Knowing how the FAA defines these terms can help pilots, aviation medical examiners (AMEs), and mental health providers prepare the right documentation.

What the FAA means by situational depression

Situational depression is a short-term reaction to a specific stressor such as:

• Relationship difficulties

• Family stress

• Job changes or financial stress

• Loss of a loved one

According to FAA guidance (Situational Depression Decision Tool), situational depression is defined by these features:

1. The episode is triggered by a specific event.

2. Symptoms resolve within six months after the stressor ends.

3. There is no recurrence.

4. There is no history of psychosis, suicidal ideation, or other psychiatric conditions.

When symptoms extend beyond six months, or when there are multiple episodes, the FAA considers the condition more consistent with major depressive disorder, which follows a different certification pathway.

How AMEs evaluate situational depression

When situational depression occurred in the past five years, the FAA requires the AME to review clinical records. The examiner will look for:

• A diagnosis specifically listed as situational depression, adjustment disorder with depressed mood, or minor depression.

• Documentation that treatment lasted six months or less.

• Evidence that symptoms have fully resolved.

If all conditions are met, the AME may issue a certificate at the time of the exam. If any red flags appear, the case must be deferred to the FAA for review.

If the episode occurred more than five years ago, and there are no lingering concerns, the AME can often clear the case by noting it in Block 60 of the medical exam.

Records pilots should be ready to provide

To avoid delays, pilots should bring:

• A clinical progress note from the treating provider.

• Documentation of the triggering event and how it was managed.

• Start and stop dates for treatment.

• A clear statement that no additional psychiatric conditions are present.

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This documentation allows the AME to verify the episode as situational depression rather than major depression.

Why it matters not to minimize depression and the case for honesty and help

Some pilots feel pressure to downplay depressive symptoms, hoping that by calling it “just stress” or “situational,” they will avoid scrutiny. Yet, minimizing real depression can backfire both clinically and in the FAA certification process.

• Mental health matters: Untreated depression is not a moral failing. It is a medical condition that can impair concentration, decision-making, memory, and emotional resilience. Seeking care is not a sign of weakness; it is a fundamental step toward returning to full functioning. See my Anxiety/Depression FAA Fast Track blog for more information.

• Certification integrity: If FAA records or clinical documentation later contradict your description, the case may be deferred, delayed, or denied. Declaring “situational” when clinical records show something deeper tends to trigger more investigation than accurate disclosure would. For more information, check my FAA Evaluations page.

• Safety first: In aviation, the margin for error is slim. Flying while affected by unresolved depression can put you, the crew, and passengers at risk. It is safer to pause, treat, and then resume than to push through. The FAA Situational Depression Decision Tool PDF helps clarify the difference between this type of depression and situational depression.

Think of it like The Rehearsal, Nathan Fielder’s show about people practicing for difficult situations before they happen. In the aviation-themed second season, participants worked through simulations that mirrored the high-stakes world of flying. The idea was simple: when you rehearse honestly for turbulence ahead, you are less rattled when the real thing comes. The same applies here. A pilot who acknowledges depression, seeks help, and prepares documentation is better positioned than one who hides it. The imagined disaster — “If I admit this, I will never fly again” — is often larger in the mind than in reality. Facing the truth directly, like running through a flight simulator before taking off, makes the real process safer and smoother.

By acknowledging symptoms, getting timely care, and documenting recovery, many pilots find the FAA path is smoother than they feared, far smoother than trying to hide or downplay a serious condition. 

Next steps for pilot applicants

If you have experienced situational depression or another mental health concern, it does not automatically prevent you from flying. With the right evaluation and documentation, many pilots are able to move forward with certification.

I offer a free 15-minute consultation to discuss your situation and answer questions about the FAA process.