Key Points:

  • The FAA is setting up an aviation rulemaking committee to address pilot mental health issues, sparked by recent concerning incidents.

  • The committee will focus on reducing barriers that deter pilots from reporting mental health issues, aiming to modernize and destigmatize the process.

  • Recent alarming incidents, including a Delta Air Lines co-pilot's threat and an Alaska Airlines pilot's in-flight behavior, have intensified the need for action.


FAA's Proactive Response to Pilot Mental Health Concerns

The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has announced the formation of an aviation rulemaking committee (ARC) dedicated to examining pilot mental health issues. The decision follows a series of recent events that have highlighted the pressing need for attention in this area. The ARC's primary objective will be to provide recommendations on how to eliminate the obstacles that currently prevent pilots from disclosing mental health concerns to the agency.

Committee's Composition and Mission

FAA administrator Mike Whitaker emphasized the agency's commitment to incorporating recent advances in mental health care into its evaluation of pilot health. The committee, which is set to include medical experts along with aviation and labor representatives, will be appointed in the coming weeks. This development comes shortly after National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) chair Jennifer Homendy announced a roundtable discussion on the subject slated for early December, addressing the often unreported and untreated mental health issues among flight deck crew that could jeopardize aviation safety.

Addressing Underlying Issues in Aviation Mental Health

There is widespread dissatisfaction within the aviation profession regarding the FAA's current approach to handling mental health concerns. Under existing FAA regulations, pilots are obliged to disclose any mental health issues to their doctors. However, many refrain from doing so, fearing the loss of their medical certifications and, consequently, their ability to fly. Current procedures often lead to extensive, costly psychological and neurological testing, perceived as outdated and unnecessarily burdensome.

Homendy highlighted the dilemma faced by pilots, noting that the current rules encourage either dishonesty about mental health history or avoidance of seeking help altogether. In response, the Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA) has expressed support for the FAA's ARC initiative, emphasizing ongoing collaborative efforts to improve aviation safety and create a healthy work environment for pilots.

Incidents Highlighting the Urgency of the Issue

The urgency of addressing mental health in aviation has been underscored by two recent alarming incidents. A Delta Air Lines first officer was indicted for threatening a captain with a firearm during a flight in 2022, with an arraignment pending. Additionally, an off-duty Alaska Airlines pilot was charged with 83 counts of attempted murder after attempting to shut off an aircraft's engines mid-flight, claiming a "nervous breakdown" and admitting to consuming psychedelic mushrooms prior to the incident. These events have significantly fueled the ongoing discussions about the mental health of flight deck crew members.