Senate approves mental health legislation for US pilots, air traffic controllers
AAL•The Senate unanimously approved bipartisan bills to encourage pilots and air traffic controllers to seek mental health care and require clearer FAA guidance on approved medications. The bills must still pass the House before becoming law.
1. Senate passes bills
The Senate unanimously approved two bills aimed at modernizing mental health rules for pilots and air traffic controllers. One encourages early disclosure and treatment; the other requires the FAA to issue accessible guidance on approved medications. Both bills must pass the House before becoming law.
2. Barriers to care
Pilots may fear that disclosing therapy, taking medication or seeking help could cost them their license. Under current rules, pilots can be grounded for three months after changing antidepressant or anxiety medication dosages or medications.
3. FAA review
The FAA said it encourages pilots to seek help early, noting that most mental health conditions, if treated, do not disqualify a pilot from flying. The agency said an expert panel found about 20% of pilots and controllers reporting a mental health issue are initially disqualified, and approval to use an antidepressant can take more than a year.
