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The Airline Pilots Association (ALPA) has announced its support for the Mental Health in Aviation Act, a legislative proposal aimed at reforming Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) medical policies that may deter pilots from seeking mental health care.
FAA regulations currently require pilots to maintain medical certification to fly. However, existing mental health rules have been criticized as restrictive and outdated. Pilots have reported avoiding treatment for common mental health conditions due to fears of career repercussions, such as license suspension or lengthy re-certification delays. According to a 2023 report by the FAA Office of Inspector General (OIG), many aviators fear disclosing mental health concerns even when treatment would not compromise safety. The OIG concluded that a more transparent and supportive system is necessary.
The Mental Health in Aviation Act was introduced by Representatives Pete Stauber and Sean Casten. According to Casten’s office, the bill mandates FAA implementation of recommendations from the Mental Health and Aviation Medical Clearances ARC. It includes clear deadlines for processing medical certifications, standardizes appeals procedures, and requires annual reporting of mental health-related denials. The legislation authorizes $13.74 million annually for aviation medical examiner recruitment and $1.5 million annually to promote destigmatization campaigns.
