The lack of mental health resources for pilots and the stigma around admitting issues and seeking help has been an open secret for decades. Some pilots fear their medical certificate might be revoked, while others fear what their peers may think. The Federal Aviation Administration accepts some treatments when pilots are struggling with their mental health, while others are off limits.

That's why AOPA launched its mental health initiative in May 2026, coinciding with Mental Health Awareness Month. Working with teams across the organization including the AOPA Air Safety Institute, the Pilot Information Center, Media, Social Media, Communications, Government Affairs, and more, AOPA has compiled this list of resources for you as we work to serve pilots every day.

AOPA, FAA, Congress work toward solutions

While the need for additional mental health resources and treatment options for pilots has been a known issue for decades, there has been significant progress in the last two years.

Together, AOPA and the aviation industry are working with the FAA and Congress to provide clearer pathways so that pilots can seek treatment for mental health conditions, and reported without fear of losing their medical certificate—or waiting months for a special issuance.

Denial Policy Not Implemented

When the FAA proposed replacing deferred medical applications with immediate denials, AOPA fought back—and won. The FAA agreed to partner with AOPA and industry organizations on a pilot medical education campaign instead.

As a result, the organizations released a comprehensive medical checklist to help applicants prepare documentation and reduce delays.

AOPA continues advocating for policies that support pilot mental health transparency and treatment.

AOPA Articles

1. Senate committee passes Mental Health in Aviation Act
   The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation voted unanimously to pass the Mental Health in Aviation Act April 14.
2. AOPA backs mental health, medication bills
   AOPA sent a letter to Senate Commerce committee leaders in December 2025, urging them to support two important bills.
3. Unfit to fly
   Mental health remains one of the thorniest challenges for pilots and the FAA.
4. Breaking the Silence
   Calls for cultural change in aviation to reduce stigma and encourage honest conversations about mental health.
5. Curiosity, Craft, and Courage
   Content creator and mental health advocate Xyla Foxlin overcomes challenges to stay in the air.
6. Changing Minds
   AOPA’s Pilot Information Center helps pilots rethink misconceptions about mental health and medical certification by providing accurate guidance and supportive expertise.
7. Mental Health Concerns
   Practical advice for pilots on recognizing mental health issues and using available resources to stay fit to fly.
8. 'I'd rather go through this process now'
   Private pilot and University of North Dakota aviation student Spencer King reveals how disclosing anxiety grounded him for more than 500 days.

From the FAA

1. FAA Pilot Mental Fitness
   On this page, the FAA provides information for pilots on seeking mental health treatment and how mental health is assessed.
2. Fact Checking Medical Myths in Aviation
   FAA addresses common pilot fears and highlights that most mental health disclosures don't result in denial.
3. Mental Health Aviation Rulemaking Committee (ARC) Report
   The FAA committee report on reducing barriers to mental health care for pilots and controllers.
4. FAA's The Air Up There Podcast: Mental Health
   In this May 2022 podcast episode, we clear the air about misconceptions around mental health and flying.
5. Guide for Aviation Medical Examiners
   This guide provides pertinent information and guidance needed to perform the duties and responsibilities of an AME.

Videos

Xyla Foxlin is a pilot, engineer, and creator advocating for aviation mental health reform after losing and regaining her FAA medical.

Federal Air Surgeon Dr. Susan Northrup talks to AOPA about the FAA's efforts to streamline medical certification and reduce the stigma around mental health. 

Articles

1. AOPA Mental Health Resources
   This page contains guidance for pilots with depression, ADD/ADHD, and more.
2. Fight or flight?
   Flying involves risks. While we train to become safe pilots who mitigate those risks, we can still end up in situations that scare us to the core. When this happens, we need to examine the root of our fear.
3. Day in the Life: HIMS-trained psychologist
   From his private practice in Santa Monica, California, Dr. Matthew Goldenberg evaluates pilots and air traffic controllers for the FAA. As a HIMS-trained addiction psychiatrist, he works closely with safety-sensitive professionals, helping them navigate mental health or substance-related concerns while keeping their professional responsibilities in focus.
4. Undaunted
   For weeks leading up to each flight as an airline passenger, images of air disasters replayed in Nick Beatty’s head like a Final Destination movie. Nick endured this terror for decades before he began flight lessons and became a private pilot. How did he shed this fear?
5. Silent No More
   Reini Thijssen explores how pilots are increasingly speaking about mental health challenges and seeking support instead of staying silent.
6. Finding Balance
   Balancing mental, physical, and emotional well-being is important to maintain safe and effective flying.

Webinar

Videos

Watch the video series on YouTube or take the video course and quiz (a free login required for course).

Watch the video series on YouTube or take the video course and quiz for FAA WINGS credit (a free login required for course).

USHST Pilot Peer Program

In aviation industry, we pay substantial attention to a pilot’s physical ability to fly. But how often do we focus on an equally important aspect of fitness: mental health? In this Spotlight on Safety video, Airbus Helicopters pilot Bruce Webb discusses the US Helicopter Safety Team’s Peer Pilot Program, a confidential, free counseling resource especially designed for members of the vertical aviation community, including pilots and nonpilots alike.