Pilot Mental Health

Improving Mental Health Support for Pilots

The health and wellbeing of pilots is central to aviation safety. For too long, the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) lengthy medical certification and review process has contributed to a culture of silence surrounding mental health issues. Airline pilots undergo thorough vetting and medical exams throughout their careers, and ALPA supports these rigorous standards. However, pilots should not be penalized or have their careers delayed or derailed for doing the right thing by seeking treatment when needed.

We have been a leader in developing and implementing programs that support pilots’ mental health, including our Pilot Peer Support program. We also co-chaired the FAA’s Mental Health & Aviation Medical Clearances Aviation Rulemaking Committee (the "Mental Health ARC"), which issued consensus recommendations in April 2024 to break down barriers that prevent pilots and controllers from reporting and seeking care to mitigate potential aviation safety risks.

How We Advocate for Pilot Mental Health

Unfortunately, progress has been uneven, and more can be done:

We urge Congress and the FAA to improve the lengthy aeromedical review process and encourage pilots to seek treatment when needed.
We support the implementation of provisions in the 2024 FAA reauthorization bill to create an aeromedical working group and a medical portal modernization task group.
We also support the Mental Health in Aviation Act, which would require the FAA to improve the review process and implement the consensus recommendations of the Mental Health ARC.

Safe Skies Start with Pilots’ Mental Health

The Mental Health in Aviation Act, which is currently making its way through Congress, would remove barriers to care while keeping aviation safety first. Seeking help isn’t a risk—it’s a responsibility.

Pilot Mental Health FAQ

Explore answers to common questions about pilot mental health, recent legislation, and efforts to improve access to care.

Airline pilots face unique stressors due to the nature of their work. Supporting mental health helps ensure they remain healthy and fit for duty—while protecting aviation safety and enhancing overall pilot well-being.

ALPA strongly supports rigorous medical standards for airline pilots, including mental health evaluations, and has been a leader in promoting pilot wellness. The Association developed our own 24/7 peer support program and continues to advocate for reforms that make it easier for pilots to seek care without fear of professional consequences.

As aviation safety experts have emphasized, we must do more to destigmatize mental health, demystify the path from diagnosis to recovery, and remove the barriers that prevent pilots from asking for help.
Many pilots avoid seeking care because of concerns about how it could affect their careers and certification. Several key factors contribute to this hesitation:
- Fear of losing their medical certificate and being grounded.
- Stigma around mental health in a profession that values strength and resilience.
- Outdated FAA protocols that make the process for returning to flight lengthy and unclear.
- Lack of awareness about peer support programs and options for seeking help safely.
The FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 called for the creation of a task force to review the FAA’s aeromedical certification process. This includes evaluating the special-issuance process and renewals, reviewing acceptable medications, updating mental health protocols, and improving the FAA’s medical portal to better serve pilots. These reforms aim to make it easier for pilots to seek treatment while maintaining safety.
The Mental Health in Aviation Act would require the FAA to implement the recommendations of its Mental Health ARC. ALPA, which cochaired the committee, has long advocated for the reforms included in the ARC’s final report. These include:
- Destigmatizing mental health through worker-education campaigns.
- Breaking down barriers that discourage pilots from seeking help.
- Improving the process for returning to work after treatment.
- Expanding access to peer support programs for aviation workers.
ALPA strongly supports the Act and continues to collaborate with the FAA to improve mental health resources and modernize outdated protocols that impact pilots' careers and well-being.

News & Insights

FAA Announces Significantly Liberalized Pilot Mental-Health Policy Changes

June 01, 2024

Advocacy

ALPA Applauds House Passage of Key Mental Health Legislation

September 08, 2025

Mental Health

ALPA Commends FAA Mental Health Rulemaking Committee Recommendations

April 02, 2024

Advocacy

ALPA Statement on FAA Pilot Mental Health Aviation Rulemaking Committee

November 09, 2023

View All News

Read the ARC's Recommendations

On April 1, 2024, the Mental Health and Aviation Medical Clearances Aviation Rulemaking Committee issued 24 recommendations to the FAA in response to its mandate to identify and make proposals to address barriers that prevent pilots from reporting and seeking care for mental-health issues.

Read the Report