Crucial Step To Improving Safety, Pilot Work Environment

The Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA) praised the U.S. House of Representatives’ Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, led by Chairman Sam Graves (R-MO) and Ranking Member Rick Larsen (D-WA), for approving HR 2591, the Mental Health in Aviation Act, introduced by Reps. Sean Casten (D-IL) and Pete Stauber (R-MN).

For many years, aviation professionals have faced a difficult choice between seeking mental health care and keeping their careers, due to the current regulatory structure creating a punitive culture that forces pilots and air traffic controllers to risk their livelihoods by seeking professional help for what are most often transitory life situations.

This is an outdated approach that not only harms individual aviation professionals but also erodes the safety standards that are the guideposts of the aviation industry. This legislation will help to destigmatize mental health issues and promote safety by encouraging pilots and controllers to seek care when needed.

Capt. Jason Ambrosi, President of ALPA said, "The Mental Health in Aviation Act represents a crucial step forward in improving aviation safety and maintaining a healthy work environment for pilots, and we appreciate Reps. Casten and Stauber for their bipartisan leadership on this important issue.

“By implementing the Mental Health Aviation Rulemaking Committee's recommendations, improving the special issuance process, and providing resources for additional aviation medical examiners, this bill acknowledges that a pilot's psychological well-being is just as important as their physical health.

"ALPA stands ready to continue our work with Congress, the FAA, and all stakeholders to ensure this landmark legislation is enacted into law. Together, we can build a better aviation system where seeking mental health care is viewed not as a career risk, but as a professional responsibility and a cornerstone of safe operations.

“ALPA strongly supports this legislation that will help remove the stigma surrounding mental health treatment while ensuring that aviation safety remains paramount.”

FMI:  www.alpa.org/