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On the evening of January 24th, 2024, a plane out of ADS stopped communicating with ATC and crashed about an hour later near the Texas-Oklahoma border in what authorities believe to be airplane-crash suicide. The situation has introduced an opportunity to talk about mental health in aviation and how issues like this could all be avoided.
The Federal Aviation Administration relies on pilots to self-report any physical or mental issues, which an aviation medical examiner (AME) will then take into consideration while determining whether to pass, deny or defer a medical application. But, in addition to listing out all of the medications they take as well as any doctors they have seen in the past few years, pilots are only asked to answer a few questions pertaining to their mental health.
Mental health is a crucial aspect of overall well-being, safety, and performance in any profession. Pilots and aviation professionals face unique challenges and stressors, making it essential to address mental health concerns within the industry. While they may face job-related consequences for minimizing their medical histories, hiding their mental health concerns completely can carry a larger risk.
Stress and pressure have a huge impact on mental health as is. By managing stress, optimal decision-making and performance can be ensured. Promoting open communication within flight schools and work environments to address concerns and share experiences is one way to help reduce stress. Peer support programs allow pilots to confidentially discuss their concerns with trained peers who understand the unique challenges of the aviation industry. These programs aim to provide a supportive environment for mental health discussions. Additionally, airlines and aviation organizations are implementing more mental health support programs for employees. These may include counseling services, employee assistance programs, and training to recognize and address mental health issues.
Aviation organizations must have protocols in place to address mental health crises or emergencies. This includes procedures for identifying when a pilot may be unfit to fly due to mental health reasons and providing appropriate interventions. Ensuring that individuals understand their own personal signs of stress and how it may affect their own mental and physical well-being is one of the first steps towards being a safer pilot.
There has been a growing recognition of the importance of reducing the stigma surrounding mental health in the aviation industry. Encouraging an open dialogue and providing support for those experiencing mental health challenges is crucial. Aviation organizations such as The Flight School Association of North America (FSANA) also aid in raising awareness. The FSANA is creating a committee to engage with the subject as it relates to airman training at the upcoming conference and plans to hold a workshop on airmen mental health next month. Addressing mental health in aviation is not only important for the well-being of individuals but also for maintaining the highest standards of safety in the industry. It requires a collaborative effort among aviation professionals, regulatory bodies, and mental health professionals to create an environment that supports mental health while ensuring safety for all, in the air. It is also important to remember that you are never alone and that you are not helpless.RELATED STORIES:NTSB chair to host mental health summit, shares safety concerns over current systemFAA forms rulemaking committee to examine pilot mental healthMental health in aviation - how the FAA is changing views on mental illness
If you are thinking of harming yourself or others, please tell someone who can help right away.
Call 988 to connect with the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, which provides 24-hour confidential support to anyone feeling suicidal or in emotional distress.