Bipartisan Support Passes Key Legislation

The Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l commended the U.S. House for passage of the Mental Health in Aviation Act that had bipartisan sponsorship and support in the voice vote held on September 9. The key legislation increases access to mental health resources for aviation professionals and significantly enhances aviation safety.

The bill was introduced by Reps. Sean Casten (D-IL) and Pete Stauber (R-MN) and was supported by Transportation & Infrastructure Committee Chairman Sam Graves (R-MO) and Ranking Member Rick Larsen (D-WA).

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

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

Aviation professionals have, for many years, faced a difficult choice whether to seek necessary mental health care or to maintain their careers. The regulatory framework that has been in place has been outdated and punitive toward pilots and air traffic controllers who should have been able to freely seek professional help. This legislation will improve the FAA’s medical review system and encourage pilots controllers to seek care if needed, thus dissolving barriers in dealing with mental health issues as well as advance aviation safety.

Capt. Ambrosi added, "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 barriers surrounding mental health treatment while ensuring that aviation safety remains paramount,"

FMI:  www.alpa.org/