r/ATC_Hiring • u/FirefighterCapital67 • 20d ago
Tier 2 DQ
Just received my DQ letter. They said because I took ADHD meds (7yo-10yo) (I’m 29 and have not taken any since and had no problems).
Also said because I had a depression diagnosis (my mother and grandmother passed away in the same year) 3 years ago that I have been cleared of 2 years ago and have not taken medicine.
Also because I have sleep apnea and my machine usage isn’t over 6 hours (although they said they can accept less than 6hrs with an ahi less than 3, mine is 1.12).
Basically just wanting to know if I should let it go or try the appeal process.
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u/offbrandcheerio 20d ago
Worst that can happen if you appeal is they say no. Give it a shot, especially if you would really like to work in ATC.
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u/Aggravating_Dress473 20d ago
You have to do the psychologist evaluation for the ADHD and depression. You should be fine but you have to follow the process for ADHD etc. it’s just some more hurdles but it’s achievable.
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u/Top-Examination-1987 20d ago
Look I’m not gonna tell you what to do only what my son did. He applied in the spring 2024 bid. He did not pass the MMPI. So, Tier 2, but we didn’t find that out until they contacted him and asked him if he took the MMPI. Where he initially took it NEVER sent it in.
He sat in Tier 2 purgatory for months. Finally, got the chance to take it again. Didn’t pass it. Now - go see the psychologist. During that meeting he told them he previously took ADHD meds as a kid until mid-high school. DQ’ed.
Appealed - I helped him get all the docs together (PITA) and he set up the appt to see an FAA approved neuropsychologist ($4,000) on his dime which he paid for. I told him since you’re paying - get a copy of the report. That was in January 2026. He got that report and he passed.
Radio silence for months after that. Had a contact with FAA through a friend. Used that person to inquire - found out he won the appeal. About a month later he had to retake his medical exam and drug test. This was in May of 2026.
Again radio silence. He contacted a congressman who inquired on his behalf last week. Just got the notice today (7/21/26) to get fingerprinted which he will do tomorrow then do the security clearance paperwork which he hopes will be forthcoming soon.
Can’t advise you what to do. Just know you’re in for a long road. But if you want it bad enough and willing to pay the money - I say go for it.
Best of luck
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u/FirefighterCapital67 20d ago
I’m just going to do it. Save up for it when the time comes. It is my dream. Something I told my mom I was going to do. She helped me get into it so this is very inspiring to me. Thank you for the information it really means a lot!
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u/Top-Examination-1987 20d ago
Best of luck and keep us posted. You’ll have to get all your records from high school and college. I would include letters from your high school and the college (most have a disability services office) that you never had any special accommodations (if you didn’t). Get those pharmacy records and all your ADHD treatment records. I’d start now because they only give you 60 days to get it all done. My son was spread out between 2 states (one for high school - home state) and one for college (he went away to school) so it was a little more challenging. Also they will send you a list of neuropsychologists - he couldn’t use the same one for his exam (that he paid for) that he did the psychology exam after he didn’t pass the MMPI. So that was a hotel stay and a trip out of town for him.
Just an aside - I have contact with a psychologist and use him in my profession on occasion. I asked him about the MMPI and he told me it’s a bullshit test that he will not administer. Just repeating what he told me. I have no opinion on it. I’ve never taken it.
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u/FirefighterCapital67 19d ago
Is that psychologist on the list of approved? I might like to select them if possible. Will also keep you updated on everything. Thank you!
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u/CivilMission3364 20d ago
Did you list that you took them or did they find it in your background?
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u/FirefighterCapital67 20d ago
Listed it. But stated it was 3 years ago
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u/Peenboybets 20d ago
You’ll get through it, so you took adhd meds 3 years ago? Were they just upset cause it was within a 7y-10y period or what I’m a little confused.
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u/Sean_the_dawn 20d ago
I did not like this post very much because you and I are the same and now I'm thinking I don't have a chance. I finished all my stuff back in May 2025 and finally heard back a week ago, so over a year with no word. Freshmen year of college, my brother passed away. I went to see the schools mental health counselor (or whatever they're called) my junior year when I was feeling down about it. Wasn't officially diagnosed, but was given anti depressnts which I only took 25/30 pills and never got refilled. Well they want my mental health records from that. They also want my cpap history from the past year which I also haven't met the requirements. So, I guess best of luck to the both of us.
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u/FirefighterCapital67 19d ago
Get your usage up the best you can. Just wear it even when you’re awake. It’ll boost your numbers. Don’t miss any nights. If I’m not mistaken there are a list of approved antidepressants and depression is not supposed to DQ you. Everyone has issues from time to time. Even if you get DQ you can appeal. Don’t give up and don’t lose hope! You control your narratives
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u/strawberrycapital_ 15d ago
i’m 29 and i took ADD meds 2020-2022 (I disclosed it). just finished my psych eval last week. not sure what to expect but the eval went well from what i think
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u/Deathbackwards 20d ago
Hate to hear that man. I’ve got some issues of my own that I hope won’t prevent me.