The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) welcomed a recent Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) aeromedical policy update encouraging pilots and air traffic controllers (ATCs) to seek counseling and mental health support early and without fear that receiving talk therapy would jeopardize their medical certification, marking an important shift in the agency\u2019s approach to mental wellness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Rather than viewing participation in counseling or psychotherapy as a potential red flag, the revised policy explicitly encourages pilots and ATCs to seek help through counseling, psychotherapy and peer-support programs when appropriate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Further, aviation medical examiners (AMEs) are now directed to focus on any underlying conditions and their severity when making certification decisions, rather than the presence of counseling. If the aviator is functioning well, the AME can issue. If the AME has significant concerns, they can defer the decision to the FAA.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThis is an important step forward in reducing stigma and encouraging early intervention, treatment and resolution,\u201d said Mark Larsen, CAM, NBAA director for safety and flight operations. \u201cMental health challenges can affect anyone, and pilots and controllers should feel empowered to seek support when they need it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n