President’s position on mental health

Two months later, the FAA released new guidance to aviation medical examiners that gives them more latitude to issue medicals, in some cases, if applicants have “uncomplicated anxiety, depression, and related conditions” and have not taken medication to treat these conditions in the last two years.

While this guidance doesn’t help everyone, it is a step in the right direction toward helping pilots who have felt the need to choose between seeking necessary care and protecting their certificate.

The committee also recommended implementing a non-punitive disclosure process for mental health diagnoses and treatments; expanding and promoting peer support programs; and revising the reporting and certification requirements for psychotherapy, ADHD, and PTSD, among other conditions.

AOPA receives calls every day from members with questions about mental health, or who need assistance getting their medical reinstated. Between AOPA’s medical certification specialists and Pilot Protection Services attorneys—who are all experts in their fields—we are well positioned to help. Many times, that means helping a member identify information they need to get their medical reinstated before submitting it to the FAA. However, we regularly help members navigate much more complex situations as well.

In many cases, we are successful in helping members return to flying. Without AOPA, those members would face significant challenges in ever getting back in the cockpit.

This important issue received new attention this month in a New York Times Magazine article, which follows the stories of several pilots and the challenges they face in getting back into the cockpit. I cannot imagine the uncertainty—and the heartbreak—of facing the possibility of not being allowed to fly again. It’s stories like these and many more that keep AOPA’s advocacy team constantly engaged with regulators and lawmakers.

But it’s important to point out there is progress being made. AOPA continues to engage with FAA leadership, including Federal Air Surgeon Dr. Susan Northrup, who has been at the forefront of helping the FAA be more informed and effective in addressing mental health.

AOPA played a pivotal role in advancing the next phase of this important work. Last week, the FAA invited AOPA, pilot unions, medical professionals, and others to participate in a series of working groups that will review policies, make recommendations, and develop strategies to streamline the medical certification process, improve mental health support, and make the system more efficient for pilots seeking a medical certificate.

AOPA advocated for establishing this effort in last year’s FAA Reauthorization Act and we will do all we can to help ensure the recommendations are implemented.