ALPA Commends Senate Commerce Committee for Advancing Key Mental Health Legislation

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA) today commended the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation for advancing the Mental Health in Aviation Act. Introduced by Senators John Hoeven (R-ND) and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), this bipartisan legislation supports aviation safety and increases access to mental health resources for aviation professionals.

“The Mental Health in Aviation Act represents a crucial step forward to improving aviation safety and maintaining a healthy work environment for pilots, and we greatly appreciate Senators Hoeven and Duckworth for their bipartisan leadership on this important issue,” said Capt. Jason Ambrosi, ALPA president. “By implementing the Mental Health Aviation Rulemaking Committee’s recommendations, improving the medical certification process, and providing resources for additional aviation medical examiners, this bill acknowledges that a pilot’s psychological wellbeing is just as important as their physical health.”

For far too long, aviation professionals have faced a difficult choice between seeking necessary mental health care and maintaining their careers. The current regulatory framework creates a punitive culture that forces pilots and air traffic controllers to risk their livelihoods by seeking professional help. This outdated approach not only harms individual aviators but also undermines the very safety standards on which U.S. aviation is built. The Mental Health in Aviation Act will help break down barriers in dealing with mental health issues in aviation and advance aviation safety by improving the FAA's medical review system and encouraging more pilots and controllers to seek care if needed.

“Together, we can build a better aviation system where seeking mental health care is viewed not as a career risk, but as a professional responsibility and a cornerstone of safe operations. ALPA strongly supports this legislation that will help remove the barriers surrounding mental health treatment while ensuring that aviation safety remains paramount,” added Ambrosi.

Founded in 1931, ALPA is the largest airline pilot union in the world and represents more than 80,000 pilots at 43 U.S. and Canadian airlines. Visit ALPA.org or follow us on X @ALPAPilots.

CONTACT: ALPA Media, 703-481-4440 or Media@alpa.org