Viewpoint: Mental Health Is Essential For Pilots

Flying demands that pilots make critical decisions in split seconds, so it is essential they are in a clear and focused mindset while flying. However, several aspects of the job present challenges to robust mental health.

Extended periods away from family and home contribute to feelings of loneliness and disconnection. Irregular work schedules often lead to little control over both their professional and personal lives. What’s more, intense training and assessments can lead to increased stress. Rapidly evolving technology and regulations place additional cognitive demands on pilots as well.

These realities have produced a perfect storm for mental health challenges, demanding tailored solutions to mitigate the risks. From JetBlue Flight 191 to the Germanwings Flight 9525 tragedy—and the more recent incident on Alaska Airlines Flight 2059—there is significant evidence pointing to the critical role that mental health plays in aviation safety.

On the JetBlue flight, the captain experienced a dangerous mental breakdown that alarmed the co-pilot and led to disruptions of passengers and crew. He had to be subdued, resulting in a diversion of the original flight path. In the tragic Germanwings flight that cost the lives of 150 individuals on board, the co-pilot was suicidal and had even been previously declared unfit for work by his physician. On the Alaska Alines flight, an off-duty pilot in the cockpit attempted to take down the plane, later saying he was struggling with severe depression and grief.

These incidents underscore the importance of maintaining mental well-being for both flight and cabin crew. When mental health issues go unchecked, the consequences can be catastrophic.

Out of 400,000 pilots worldwide, 50,000 are living with some form of mental health disorder. Furthermore, 54% of pilots avoid reporting or seeking help for health concerns due to fear of career repercussions.

The evidence is overwhelming: Pilots are not empowered to speak out about their mental health needs, and additional disasters are looming if fundamental changes to the aviation industry don’t happen quickly.

Some of the best solutions to support pilots and prevent disaster can be found in effective prevention. These include regular mental health screenings, peer support programs, and access to mental health professionals.

Over the years, it has become clear to me that pilots are more likely to seek help from their peers than their superiors. This means providing peer mentorship is crucial. Pilots also need to be assured immediate, confidential access to therapists and counselors who specialize in aviation. 

Colleagues and superiors also need to watch for the early signs of mental health decline, like behavioral changes, decreased performance, and physical symptoms such as headaches, backaches, and fatigue.

On a macro level, those of us in the aviation and health space must also be diligent in encouraging transparent conversations about mental health without fear of repercussions. Preventive measures and supportive environments will enhance the mental well-being of aviation professionals, ultimately improving overall safety.

For better mental healthcare and better standards to have a chance of becoming the norm, multiple stakeholders will need to be involved. In addition, better collaboration is required to enhance mental health support throughout the aviation industry. For example, consider the following categories:

• Pilots: Those working closely with pilots must regularly encourage them to seek help and participate in peer-support networks.
• Aviation companies: These organizations must create thorough mental health policies that integrate regular check-ins with crew members.
• Medical experts: Those in the medical profession must establish clear, supportive guidelines for mental health screenings and treatment without penalizing pilots.
• Regulators and specialists: Aviation regulatory agencies must coordinate to ensure compliance with mental health requirements and that access to the latest solutions in aeromedical services is available to all who need it.

Mental health is a critical lynchpin for aviation safety. And with enhanced mental health support systems and better collaboration among all stakeholders, we are likely to make huge strides to ensure safer skies and a more resilient aviation workforce.

Pilots work hard to ensure our safety in the skies. Everyone in their orbit ought to commit to returning the favor.

Dr. Surendra Sodhi is chief advisor of aeromedical services for MD Onboard, a healthcare-led remote medical advisory service serving the aviation industry.