The aviation industry is somewhat renowned for being stringent on the physical fitness and ability of pilots. However, in recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the need to address the mental health and well-being of flight crews. More and more calls have been made to address pilot fatigue and mental wellness, with various incidents in the last few years being associated directly with the workloads on pilots.
Now, it seems like more and more is being done on it. The International Federation of Airline Pilots’ Associations (IFALPA) has been a critical body which has stepped up in spearheading the movement toward pilot mental health and well-being. Various assessments and surveys are being conducted, and in addition to that, the body has just released two meaty papers on their position on the subject. These two position papers were released with the aim to redefine the approach to mental health in aviation, urging for a shift toward a more supportive, open, and nuanced framework for evaluating pilots’ mental health during medical assessments. We unpacked the papers in more detail.
Simply Put, the Current Assessment Process is Not Working
IFALPA’s Position on Mental Health Requirements for Active Pilots emphasises the limitations of traditional mental health screenings. According to the position paper, standardised mental health questionnaires have proven ineffective as a screening tool for pilots in aeromedical exams. These questionnaires are often not validated for use in aviation and can create a false sense of security. Instead, IFALPA advocates for open, supportive discussions between pilots and Aeromedical Examiners (AMEs) as the preferred method for identifying mental health concerns.
The paper suggests that mental health assessments should not focus on simply diagnosing conditions but should prioritise the impact of mental health on flight safety. Pilots should be encouraged to seek help without fear of unwarranted consequences, and AMEs should work collaboratively with pilots to identify issues early, before they pose a risk to aviation safety. Importantly, IFALPA insists that these conversations be confidential and not be used as the sole basis for denying, revoking, or non-renewing a pilot’s medical certification.
A Supportive Approach and Health Promotion
The pandemic highlighted the increasing mental health challenges faced by individuals worldwide, including pilots. The IFALPA paper cites studies like MeSafe (2024) and reports from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to underline the need for a more comprehensive approach to mental health in aviation. IFALPA believes that mental health evaluations should be framed within a safety culture, focusing on health promotion rather than pathologising mental health concerns.
A key component of this new approach is building trust. Pilots are often reluctant to disclose mental health struggles due to concerns about job security or stigma. By fostering a supportive and non-punitive environment, pilots are more likely to seek help when needed. IFALPA stresses that a pilot’s mental health does not exist in a vacuum—stressors, both work-related and personal, can impact mental well-being and should be addressed early.
Normalising Mental Health Conversations
The role of the AME is central in these discussions. As mental health assessments in aviation are not a one-size-fits-all approach, IFALPA emphasises the importance of AMEs receiving training on common mental health conditions, the stressors pilots face, and the appropriate interview techniques. This training will ensure that AMEs can engage in meaningful, supportive conversations with pilots, helping them identify when additional help or referral is needed.
Peer Support Programs (PSPs) are also highlighted as an essential part of supporting pilot mental health. These programs provide pilots with a confidential space to discuss personal or professional challenges with peers who understand the unique pressures of the job. According to IFALPA, peer support should be the first line of defence for pilots struggling with mental health issues, with medical and psychological interventions used only when necessary.
By encouraging pilots to seek support early and normalising conversations around mental health, PSPs can reduce the stigma surrounding mental health struggles in aviation. Moreover, these programs can be an invaluable resource for safety departments, helping identify and mitigate safety-related stressors that might affect pilots’ performance.
Mental Health Should Have a Tripartite Approach
The responsibility for managing pilot mental health is not solely on the pilot. IFALPA stresses a tripartite approach that involves the pilot, the operator, and the regulator. Operators are encouraged to create a supportive environment for pilots by promoting work-life balance, offering stress prevention resources, and fostering a non-punitive culture for reporting mental health concerns. Regulators, on the other hand, are urged to integrate mental health management into safety management systems and ensure that mental health issues are addressed without fear of punitive consequences.
IFALPA also recommends that regulators revise their approach to mental health assessments, shifting away from the binary model of certification suspension or revocation. Instead, regulators should focus on assessing the impact of mental health conditions on flight safety, considering necessary accommodations or limitations that would allow pilots to continue flying safely while managing their mental health.
Looking Ahead: A Culture of Care and Support
At its core, IFALPA’s position papers advocate for a cultural shift in the aviation industry toward a more holistic and supportive approach to mental health. Rather than seeing mental health struggles as a threat to safety, the goal is to view them as part of the broader health and wellness continuum. By prioritising mental well-being and fostering a supportive, non-punitive environment, pilots can feel safer and more empowered to seek help when needed.
The recommendations from the IFALPA encourage industry stakeholders to create systems that not only address the mental health challenges pilots face but also actively promote well-being. This requires a commitment to breaking down stigma, enhancing education, and developing robust support systems. The end result, is a healthier, more resilient pilot workforce, better equipped to handle the demands of their critical roles and contribute to aviation safety.
