Hi all,

I am just about to start my private pilot training.

In fact, I have about $2000 on account and went in today to sign up for
everything.

Luckily, before signing all the papers, I stumbled on the FAA's
position that Zyban automatically disqualifies you from obtaining a
medical certificate. (I have been taking Zyban for smoking cessation
for about 7 months).

So, before signing everything; before taking lessons which would only
lead to a dead end; and before taking the medical exam, I would very
much like to know what my options are.

For example, one thing I learned today was that I had an option of
getting a sport pilot license instead of private pilot. BUT, if I had
taken the medical exam, and been disqualified due to my taking Zyban, I
would be forever unable to get a sport pilot license.

So, I don't know what to do. Should I just settle on a sport pilot
license, because since I have been taking Zyban, I am forever banned
from a private pilot license. Or maybe I can quit the Zyban for like 90
days, and THEN take the medical, and based on that duration of
abstenence (sp?) be eligible without jumping through hoops? Or,
perhaps I should just walk into the medical as-is, and see what the AME
recomends?

A note from the doctor who prescribed the Zyban taken into the AME for
the exam after how ever many days of abstenence would be required?

Sigh...

Please, any guidance with this would be very much appreciated. Kinda
frustrating that a heroine addict could EASILY lie their way into a
medical certificate. But, an honest guy who wanted to do the right
thing, and quit smoking could just as easily be permanently banned from
ever getting a private pilot license.

Thanks much!!!!!!!!