Definition
A class of stimulant drugs that act on the central nervous system to increase alertness, suppress fatigue, and elevate mood. Amphetamines are commonly prescribed for conditions such as attention deficit disorder and narcolepsy, and are also widely abused. Use of amphetamines disqualifies a pilot from flying under FAA regulations unless specifically approved, because they can cause overconfidence, impaired judgment, irritability, and a dangerous letdown effect when the drug wears off.
Plain English
A group of strong stimulant drugs that speed up the brain and body, making a person feel more awake and energetic. They are unsafe for flying because they distort judgment and cause a sharp crash when their effects fade.
Context Anchor
Seen in the Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge chapter on drugs, where the FAA discusses substances and medications that can make a pilot unsafe to fly.
Derivation
From the chemical name alpha-methylphenethylamine, shortened in the 1930s to amphetamine. The name itself is a chemistry label, but knowing it is a chemical stimulant — not a natural substance — reinforces that its effects on the body are pharmacological and not something a pilot can simply 'push through.'
Why Pilots Care
Use of amphetamines violates FAA medical standards, risks sudden impairment in judgment or reaction time, and can result in certificate revocation or enforcement action.
Intuition Check
Do not assume “more awake” means “safer.” A drug that hides tiredness can still make a pilot unsafe to fly.
Example Sentence 1
The flight surgeon reminded the class that amphetamines are disqualifying for pilots and cannot be used to push through fatigue on long cross-country flights.
Example Sentence 2
Even small amounts of amphetamines can affect a pilot's ability to make safe decisions during instrument approaches.