Medication question

[phatso 0]

I've always wanted to go skydiving, and I recently realized that the only one standing in my way of doing it is myself, so why not?

I've been really excited about it and I was doing some research (on this site) that says if you're taking medicine that might impair your judgement you might not be allowed to do it.

I've struggled with depression for a large part of my life and I'm taking Lexapro, which helps. I've been institutionalized in the past. I'm absolutely better now, though.

Would that disqualify me?

[GLIDEANGLE 1]

Here is what the USPA has to say about medical requirements:

2-1, C. Medical requirements [NW]

1. All persons engaging in skydiving must:

a. Carry a valid Class 1, 2, or 3 Federal Aviation Administration Medical Certificate; OR

b. Carry a certificate of physical fitness for skydiving from a registered physician; OR

c. Have completed the USPA recommended medical statement.

USPA STATEMENT OF MEDICAL FITNESS:

“I represent and warrant that I have no known
physical or mental infirmities that would impair my
ability to participate in skydiving, or if I do have
any such infirmities, that they have been or are
being successfully treated so that they do not
represent any foreseeable risk while skydiving.
“I also represent and warrant that I am not taking
any medications or substances, prescription, or
otherwise, that would impair my ability to participate
in skydiving.”


USPA SIM 4-3,D:

3. All participants in skydiving must meet the USPA
BSRs for medical fitness.
a. A person should be in good health and physical
condition to skydive and should not be on medication;
however, some conditions can be properly managed if the instructor knows about them.
b. A FAA flight physical or a doctor’s statement
of fitness for skydiving MAY be required in
some cases.
c. The instructor also needs to know about any
recent donations of blood.
d. People who participate in SCUBA diving should
not fly for at least 24 hours afterward.

Bottom line: Complete the statement provided by the DZ (which will be essentialy the same as the USPA sample above), keep your mouth shut, & JUMP!

Edited to add: Given your DZ ID "phatso", I wonder if your weight might be the bigger problem. Obesity has a direct (physics) affect on your skydiving. So, if you are over ~200 lbs... talk to your local DZ. There are adjustments that can be made for bigger jumpers... up to a point! Good Luck!

The choices we make have consequences, for us & for others!