FAA Urged to Reevaluate Mental Health Disclosure Policies for Pilots

An expert panel recommended on Monday Apr. 1 that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) should eliminate the requirement for airline pilots and air traffic controllers to disclose sessions of talk therapy. The panel, comprising members from aviation associations, pilot and air traffic controller organizations, academia, and medical fields, emphasized the need for a non-punitive reporting system for mental health conditions, treatments, or medications that have not been previously disclosed.

This call for change has gained momentum following an incident in October, where an off-duty Alaska Airlines pilot attempted to disable the engines of a jet mid-flight, later informing police of his ongoing nervous breakdown. The panel argues that the mandatory disclosure of talk therapy sessions discourages pilots from seeking necessary mental health care due to fears of repercussions.

In response to these recommendations, the FAA stated it is currently reviewing these suggestions to improve the reporting environment for mental health issues among pilots and air traffic controllers. The agency aims to dismantle barriers that hinder individuals from disclosing their mental health conditions.

Current regulations impose stringent restrictions on pilots, including a mandatory six-month grounding period for those who adjust dosages or medications for antidepressants or anxiety, which the panel suggests reducing to two months. Additionally, the panel advises the FAA to revisit its policy prohibiting pilots or controllers from duty if undergoing ADHD treatment or medication.

The FAA is also considering how to implement outstanding recommendations from a July report by the inspector general’s office on pilot mental health. This report highlighted the FAA’s limited ability to mitigate safety risks due to pilots’ reluctance to disclose mental health conditions.

Jennifer Homendy, chair of the National Transportation Safety Board, has called for substantial reforms in FAA oversight of pilot mental health, pointing out the existing system’s shortcomings and the fear among pilots of losing their jobs due to seeking mental health support.

Related news: https://airguide.info/?s=pilot

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, reuters.com