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The Airline Pilots Association (ALPA) announced on the social media platform X that the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) slow medical certification process has contributed to silence around pilot mental health. The association expressed gratitude to National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) Chair Jennifer Homendy for her efforts in reducing stigma and improving support resources.
According to Flying Magazine, NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy publicly criticized the FAA’s current mental health policy, describing it as reminiscent of the 1950s and highlighting its negative impact on pilot well-being. Homendy explained that the outdated system fuels stigma, often discouraging pilots from seeking help due to fears about career repercussions. She emphasized that modernizing the FAA’s approach is critical for aviation safety and called for urgent reforms to support open dialogue about mental health within the profession.
According to Reuters, a panel of experts convened by the FAA recommended in 2024 that the agency end its requirement for pilots to report all mental health counseling, including talk therapy sessions. The rule was cited as a primary barrier to pilots seeking mental health treatment. The Reuters report states that mandatory disclosure of therapy sessions makes pilots less likely to seek counseling, exacerbating mental health challenges across the industry. The panel's recommendations followed high-profile incidents that highlighted the consequences of unaddressed pilot mental health needs.
