On 24 Jul 2005 16:35:09 -0700, wrote:

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).

I would recommend a discussion with your doctor, (or another doctor)
about staying on or getting off Zyban. My wife quit smoking using
Zyban and the program was to take Zyban, reduce the amount she
smoked, then pick a day to quit completely. About a week after she
quit, she began to taper off using Zyban and in then stopped taking
Zyban altogether. The whole process took about 3 months. She
hasn't wanted a cigarette since. This for a woman who smoked one to
two packs a day for thirty years.

Good luck with quitting. Everything is better after you stop.

Ron