Washington — Bipartisan legislation recently introduced in the Senate is intended to strengthen mental health support for workers in the aviation industry.
Sens. John Hoeven (R-ND) and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) are co-sponsors of the Mental Health in Aviation Act (S. 3257). A press release says the bill “improves aviation safety by encouraging both pilots and air traffic controllers to seek mental health care, when needed, while reducing the stigma associated with mental health and the potential impact on a pilot’s career.”
The legislation would direct the Federal Aviation Administration to:
- Revise existing regulations to encourage early disclosure and treatment of mental health conditions.
- Consult with stakeholders – including mental health professionals and academic institutions conducting aviation training – to ensure future mental health policies reflect current clinical standards and realities of the aviation workforce.
- Conduct annual reviews related to the special issuance process for FAA medical certificates for pilots and air traffic controllers, as well as the classification and use of medications.
- Improve mental health knowledge and training provided to aviation medical examiners.
“It’s imperative that our pilots, air traffic controllers and aviation professionals have access to the resources they need to maintain their mental health,” Hoeven said in the release. “The Mental Health in Aviation Act seeks to address mental health issues throughout the aviation industry, promote early intervention, provide additional resources to the FAA’s Office of Aerospace Medicine, and support the well-being of aviation professionals and the overall safety of our skies.”
Multiple industry groups support the bill, including the Air Line Pilots Association, the National Air Traffic Controllers Association and the Pilot Mental Health Campaign.
Reps. Sean Casten (D-IL) and Pete Stauber (R-MN) introduced a companion bill (H.R. 2591) in the House in April. The House approved the legislation in September.
