Pilots are Humans Too

By: Noah

Pilots face daily stressors just like all of us do. However, the stigma of depression, anxiety, and any mental health challenges can also challenge the career and livelihood of a pilot. Many pilots must be in peak condition both mentally and physically in order to fly. The FAA will ‘ground’ pilots who are honest about the stressors in their life. Studies show that pilots can struggle with anxiety, depression, and even suicidal thoughts, yet have to hide all of this, or lose their livelihood. 

Pilots are human beings, not robots. The FAA regulations do not seem to recognize that support, not stigma is the solution. For example, pilots are allowed to take anti-depressants and fly, but only after successfully being treated for 12 consecutive months. What other industry will not let you work for an entire year? How are these individuals supposed to survive while they are ‘successfully’ completing their year of treatment? Who decides what the definition of ‘success’ is under these conditions?

 

Mental Health Stigma Disproportionately Impacts Aviation

Stigma with mental health and addiction have somewhat subsided since this change, but more needs to be done. When we threaten the livelihood of individuals, we force them to hide any implications of mental health rather than seeking assistance. 

The pandemic has also escalated mental health challenges in the aviation industry. Due to the impact it had upon commercial and private flights, pilots have faced insecurities like the rest of the world but are still less likely to seek assistance out of fear of further job insecurity which compounds the problem.

Clearly, safety is a top concern when a job directly impacts the health and safety of others. However, even a doctor, who performs surgery on patients is allowed to seek mental health recourse due to the pressures of their lives and their jobs, yet they will not be terminated or put on leave for 12 months while they are seeking treatment. They are still allowed to work. 

Unsung Heroes of the Skies

If you know a pilot, be kind. When we see Military, we pay for their meal, their coffee, their service. During the pandemic, even Amazon, Uber drivers, and Grocery Store employees became heroes, and now nearing the end of the pandemic, when people are traveling more than ever, pilots get us to our destinations safe and sound, so next time you see a pilot at the airport, consider buying them a coffee.

 

Edited By: Marilyn