Mental Health in Pilots Ages 19-26: What are the new pilots telling us?

Abstract

Mental Health is stigma that reaches all professional pilots. After spending a considerable amount of money, a pilot is always afraid of losing his/her medical certification. This leads many pilots to not be honest and forthcoming about his/her own health situation or if he/she is forthcoming with any medical deficiency, the regulatory framework at the Federal Aviation Administration may put a further burden on the pilot to provide additional medical documentation, or the FAA may even amend, revoke, or suspend a pilot's medical certificate. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations,14 CFR Parts 61 and 67 and internal protocols creates a legal “labyrinth” putting the pilot in further peril. Given the stigma of mental illness and the negative impact pilots may face during his/her career, it is imperative that as academic teachers that we give the students the proper tools in order to deal with life events. Stress, sleep deprivation, anxiety and depression, although experienced by all, can be devastating to a pilot’s career. Flight Risk Assessment Tools (FRAT) rarely deal with the issue, but rather deal with the PAVE or IMSAFE checklist which rarely include anything in depth on mental health. The medical textbook that the FAA requires Aviation Medical Examiners to use contains minimal information on mental health. Furthermore, an in depth examination on a study of pilots between the ages of 19-26 has revealed data that will be discussed along with a three part plan to educate future pilots in developing, monitoring an sustaining a healthy mental status.

Authors

• Lorenzon, Jason T Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
• Semilia, Diana Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

Keywords

• Pilots
• Crew
• Mental Health
• Substance Abuse
• Alcohol Abuse
• Medical Certification
• Pilot Certification
• 14 CFR Part 61
• 14 CFR Part 67
• anxiety
• depression
• Administrative Law