Outdated mental health regulations for aviators would undergo a revamp under the proposed house bill
Mental Health in Aviation Act of 2025: A Step Forward in Addressing Pilot Mental Health
The U.S. Senate is preparing to take up the Mental Health in Aviation Act of 2025, a bill that aims to address the long-standing issue of pilot mental health. The bill, which was initially introduced in the House by Representatives Sean Casten (Illinois) and Pete Stauber (Minnesota), is now moving to the Senate where it is being handled by the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
The bill's passage is seen as a significant step forward by Chris Finlayson, Executive Director of the Pilot Mental Health Campaign. Finlayson, who is also a commercial pilot for a major airline, stated that reform is actually coming. He believes the bill will provide a better choice for pilots seeking mental health treatment without fear of jeopardizing their careers and paychecks.
The bill mandates the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to enact 24 recommendations from an aviation rule-making committee within two years. This includes hiring FAA physicians with mental health backgrounds and addressing the backlog of pilot medical certifications with special exceptions. The FAA is also expected to force an overhaul of its current pilot mental health rules, which critics consider antiquated.
One of the key provisions of the bill is the requirement for pilots to self-disclose "mental disorders of any sort" on examination forms submitted to the FAA. However, this requirement has led many pilots to avoid seeking care due to the fear of jeopardizing their careers. The bill aims to address this issue by providing a more supportive environment for pilots dealing with mental health issues.
The current culture of silence in pilot mental health is affecting safety, according to National Transportation Safety Board Chair Jennifer Homendy. This was highlighted by the case of off-duty pilot Joseph Emerson, who was charged for trying to crash an Alaska Airlines flight in October 2023. Emerson admitted to not sleeping for 40 hours, using "magic mushrooms," and being depressed for months, if not years, following the incident.
The passage of the Mental Health in Aviation Act of 2025 is expected to make the skies safer by promoting open discussions about mental health and providing resources for pilots who need them. Efforts are underway to pass a companion bill in the Senate, and the bill's supporters are hopeful that it will become law.
CNN has reached out to the FAA for a comment on the bill but has not received a response yet. However, the bill's introduction and movement through Congress is a positive sign that change is on the horizon for the mental health of pilots in the United States.
