Joe's Story

In Joe's words

My experience isn't much different from other people. We're all unique individuals trying to navigate a difficult and confusing world. I'm no more or less important or special than any other pilot or person but have found myself in rare and unenviable circumstances and I'm doing my best to learn and grow from this challenging place. I accept responsibility for my actions and am actively participating in the judicial process to do what society asks of me. I'm grateful for this and taking things one day at a time. I'm hopeful that my experience can benefit others.

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I learned very early in pursuit of my dream to be a pilot that the medical process was daunting and could be overwhelming and difficult to navigate. When applying for my first FAA medical as a student pilot at age 15, I checked "yes" on a few of the medical history questions:

• b. Dizziness or Fainting Spell. I had fainted in choir practice in junior high locking my knees while standing.

• c. Unconscious for any reason. I was playing tag in elementary school at recess and ran into a tetherball pole knocking myself unconscious and causing a mild concussion.

• f. Asthma or lung disease. In junior high I had been diagnosed with mild exercise induced asthma and used an inhaler as needed. I had not had an attack or needed to use the inhaler in the previous several years prior to the application.  

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I wasn't presently experiencing any of the conditions described but the question on the form stated: “HAVE YOU EVER IN YOUR LIFE BEEN DIAGNOSED WITH, HAD, OR DO YOU PRESENTLY HAVE ANY OF THE FOLLOWING?” I later received a very stern and frank letter from the FAA about my selection of "yes" even though none of my former conditions were presently experienced or expected to be medical issues in the future. Every application since, I am required to check the same boxes and report that there has been no change in my condition. 

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Throughout my career I learned from other pilots that pitfalls abound in the aeromedical process and that there were certain doctors that professional pilots prefer. Medical advice services have grown out of these pitfalls and I have used them from time to time to guide my treatment. The FAA aeromedical system has impacted my health and my desire and ability to seek and participate in my own healthcare as it has for many other pilots I know.

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I want to be very clear. I am not blaming my actions or decisions on the aeromedical system. I am simply trying to fully convey the entirety of my experience.  

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In 2018 my best friend, Scott Henry Pinney, died unexpectedly at the age of 36. Scott was also a pilot and was running while on an overnight in Kona, HI. He had an undiagnosed heart arrhythmia which led to his passing. His life and death affected me in very profound ways.  

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While grieving, I sought treatment to process his death. It was suggested that I could possibly be aided through a potential diagnosis that would allow a prescription of an SSRI (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors are a class of drugs that treat depression, anxiety disorders, and other psychological conditions) to allow me to better process that grief.  I did some research and found that a diagnosis and the use of an SSRI were not a treatment option for me as a pilot. If I had exercised that option, I would have been stripped of my Medical Certificate. I would be grounded with no guarantee that I would ever fly again. This option would have created significant negative financial implications for my family.

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I discussed this with my therapist. I asked whether without such treatment I was safe to continue to fly and work. The answer was unequivocally yes, I was very safe to fly. However, they were perplexed as to why a course of treatment with medication would require such actions by the FAA. We continued processing grief in trauma-based therapy, without medication. I stayed safe, and over time my grief transitioned. I continue to view the life and death of Scott as a gift I am grateful for.

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In the aftermath of the events surrounding flight 2059, covered by Oregon Public Broadcasting and The New York Times, I work daily on my health by participating openly with medical providers and through peer support programs. I see clearly how my medical hesitancy was negatively impacting my life. I hope that my story can be a catalyst for others to openly seek medical care. Rigorous honesty with medical providers helps get a proper diagnosis and appropriate course of treatment.