Navigating Mental Health in Aviation Summit Scheduled to Dissect Issues

The Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) too has called for changes in the way the federal government approaches the issue of mental illness in the aviation industry, taking aim at what they feel is an "outdated system".

“The United States can—and must—do more to support pilots and all aviation workers when it comes to mental health issues,” said ALPA president Captain Jason Ambrosi. “For nearly 50 years, ALPA has led a proactive approach to maintaining a healthy work environment for pilots, and no one is more committed to enhancing the mental health support our industry provides the aviation workforce.”

Unlike previously nebulous calls within the industry to "do something" without much specification, the ALPA gave a few points they believe would go far in fixing the issue:

First, "Developing a worker-education campaign to destigmatize mental health, explain the process from diagnosis through recovery, and encourage workers to seek help early". Second, "Breaking down barriers that discourage aviation workers from seeking help and, for those who do seek treatment, improving the process for them to safely and expeditiously return to work when able". And Finally, "Establishing a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)-funded national peer-support training program that would train peers to confidentially discuss concerns and connect with resources".

The Association also gave full support to the upcoming FAA Mental Health Aviation Rulemaking Committee, urging the agency to "include aviation aeromedical experts; be charged with making recommendations for reporting, testing, and treatment of mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression; and make all counseling without a diagnosis nonreportable to encourage pilots to seek help early without fear of risking their medical certificate and livelihood, while advancing a just safety culture."

“Protecting the safety of airline passengers, crews, and cargo is the foundation of ALPA’s work. By working with labor, government, and industry, we can make great strides in expanding mental health resources for pilots and other aviation workers and improving the outdated protocols for reporting, testing, and treatment,” added Ambrosi.

FMI: www.alpa.org