Representative Greg Stanton (D-AZ) issued a statement celebrating the passage of the Mental Health in Aviation Act, a bill which he cosponsored.
As Rep. Stanton explained, the bill requires the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to improve access to mental healthcare for pilots and aviators, as the current system perpetuates a culture of stigmatization due to onerous regulations.
Specifically, the Mental Health in Aviation Act authorizes $13.74 million annually for three years to recruit and train additional Aviation Medical Examiners and fund and expand capacity in the Flight Surgeon's Office, and an additional $1.5 million annually to improve awareness of mental healthcare services among pilots and aviators.
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Other provisions require an annual review and refinement of the mental health-related special issuance, including reclassification and approval of additional medications and improvement of mental health knowledge and training for Aviation Medical Examiners, all of which is to be reported to Congress annually.
"The safety of our skies depends on the well-being of the people who keep them running," Rep. Stanton expressed in a statement. "But for years, our aviation industry has suffered from staffing shortages that have left air traffic controllers and pilots overworked and undersupported. Our Mental Health in Aviation Act is about breaking down stigma and ensuring pilots and aviation professionals can access the care they need."
The bill's original sponsor, Representative Sean Casten (D-IL), said, "Aviators should not be unfairly penalized for seeking mental health care. The current system perpetuates a culture of silence, and it's past time that changes."
"The Mental Health in Aviation Act makes our skies safer by ensuring pilots and air traffic controllers can access mental health care, should they need it," Rep. Casten added.
Similarly, Representative Pete Stauber (R-MN), who helped introduce the bill, stated, "Flying remains one of the safest forms of transportation, but maintaining that safety means taking care of the people who make it possible." "Unfortunately, current Federal Aviation Administration regulations prevent aviation professionals from seeking mental health care by imposing unfair penalties on those who do," he added, noting that "this creates a dangerous culture of silence and stigma."
"The Mental Health in Aviation Act will break down these barriers and better support the mental health of our aviation workforce," the Arizona Democrat expressed.
