As a private pilot, I could not agree more with you. There are a number of issues about which the FAA is stuck in bygone days. But pilots’ mental health is most certainly one of the more important ones.
This is such an issue across our society that is only beginning to poke up it’s head and demand our nation’s attention. The stigma from decades ago still pervades us and yet it doesn’t dawn on us that the mind is is a part of the body and needs attention just as much as is given to smoking cessation to thwart lung cancer, statins to lower cholesterol for heart health. Because of a lack of desire to address this issue not only these pilots that Adam is speaking of need help but many in homeless population are not well mentally. There are some of the perpetrators of gun violence and shootings that should not possess a firearm because of their mental instability. Think of the soldiers no longer on active duty but suffer in silence with PTSD. Many addicted to opiates are trying to self treat mental afflictions. We need more mental health professionals who have the skills and vision to help alleviate these people who are suffering.
100% agree with this, Adam. Pilots have a lot at stake and mental health should be treated like any other disease/illness. If the pilot was diabetic, there would be no question but mental health issues is another story. I am happy to see that mental health is losing its stigma, but we still have a ways to go. My dad had issues back in the 70s, 30 day hospitalized and had electric shock therapy. It was awful, it worked and very grateful that it did. However, if one would tell anyone else, one could be ridiculed, lose a job (my dad was self employed), or any number of things. On another level, there seems to be a crises with providers these days. If you need to see someone, good luck. It can take months and months to see anyone and then someone who takes your insurance, even longer. I say this as my son needed help, serious help. He suffers from anxiety & panic attacks that were well controlled for quite awhile. He took a job for the state in the CPS department. He lasted 5 years and had to get out as he developed PTSD from what he saw and had to deal with. He called and called, calling some more and finally finding a psychiatrist but only to manage meds, not for any sort of therapy. Finally found a therapist and could only fit him in every 2-3 weeks. If he had an immediate issue he was told to go to the hospital which isn’t always the best. No one available to talk to through the therapists office, just go to the hospital. My son had to go that route earlier this year as my dad passed away (87) but by suicide (gun) and my son felt the need to go into the closet to see the aftermath. He is 30 and we told him he can’t unsee it but he wanted to for “closure”. At any rate, due to his PTSD, it was overwhelming and wanted to speak to his therapist. Nope, go to the hospital. He didn’t feel he needed to go but he knew if it was suggested, he’d better go. He said it was the worst experience in his life and he was released. My point being that mental health is very very important all the way around, we need to do better. Getting back to your point, the FAA needs to come current and make sure pilots are able to get the help they need and to reevaluate the medications. It’s truly disturbing to have pilots who are suffering with mental health issues and can’t do anything but self medicate. That is surely not safe but that is more acceptable??? Dismayed.
Nov 16, 2023·edited Nov 17, 2023Liked by Adam Kinzinger
Speaking of mental health, the stigma is still there. I'm somebody that's battled mental health in the form of insomnia and extreme anxiety. But the second you say I struggle with mental health people look at you like you're some kind of crazy person and it's just not true. As a society, we need to be more understanding that just because you're mentally un balanced, it doesn't mean you shouldn't be able to talk about it and get the help that you deserve because for many years I struggled alone.
This is more than sad, it‘s outrageous. It nis also very complicated, ass the solution would require tapping into resources on many levels and at high cost. Of course it‘s worth it--but it will drive up costs and could end up costing airlines and the public, money. But I can‘t imagine anyone saying that an extra $40 on a place ticket is too much to pay for airline and pilot safety.
I am not in congress, and have little real knowledge of what the government and healthcare can provide. But my thoughts are :
1) pilot contracts that prohibit airlines from firing pilots who seek treatment for some period of time (like years not months)
2)a robust mental health system in place specifically for pilots--one that is confidential and involves professionals who have specific knowledge of the issues pilots face. This should include therapy, medication,time off, and anything else required to treat the illness
3)a requirement that pilots undergo not just drug screening but also mental health screening every few years (and perhaps random testing as well)
4)worker comp benefits arhat compensate pilots while unable to fly (it shocks me that this isn‘t in place already).
5) a retraining and/or re placement program for those permanently disabled but still able to work. We all get to the point where we can no longer do what we love--pilots are not so different from athletes or anyone who needs to be physically fit to do their job. But most expect this at some point and prepare mentally and financially for this. Pilots should not be the exception. In fact, acknowledging this should be part of their training.
Just some random thoughts on the matte. We need treat people with dignity and value. And we need to keep people safe. It’s impossible to put a price on these things, even though so many still try. People want/need to fly. Figuring out how to make sure this happens safely may require a whole of government, in partnership withheld military and private airlines and unions is likely what it will take. Fortunately, with Biden and Buttigieg in charge of transportation issues I would hope they can at least come up with a plan, even if the current congress won‘t fund it. The next step is to make congress have the political will to fund it.
The next step would be to have a Congress that can function without being at each other’s throats, within their own party and across the aisle. Only then can we get the important things done for our nation.
Being an airline pilot has always been stressful because of the awesome responsibility they have to assume for the care of a hugely expensive piece of equipment but most importantly, the lives of everyone on board their plane.
There have been a lot of articles about the stress that the airlines themselves put on their pilots. One commuter airline overscheduled them, some were sleeping in trailors, NOT even a hotel room, for the very short layover and sleep time they had.
I have wondered about the FAA for a long time, they serve two masters, the airlines and the public and sometimes, not well. It is not surprising to me that pilots are having more mental health issues.
Flight schedules are nuts these days, flights are full because there are FEWER flights scheduled, passengers are irritated and sometimes hideous, and the airlines just want to make more and more and more profit. Not sure what for but that's what they want. The safety of everyone is at risk when pilots have unrecognized and untreated mental issues and the FAA better get on board. Of course admitting a problem goes against the "Superman" picture pilots are expected to make. It's certainly clear why there would be a lot of anxiety for pilots, especially these days.
I am writing my three "congress critters" today, so think I'll add this to the message. I hate to fly anyway and really want to be able to depend on who is in the cockpit. Thanks for bringing this up Adam.
I forgot to add that I read an article, last year I believe, that some airlines were ACTUALLY considering getting rid of the co-pilot to save money. I just can NOT imagine that but in researching, there were enough articles from some credible media sources, that I think they WERE. THAT is effing nuts!!!!! Not too long ago a pilot had a heart attack and died on the plane.
I am sick on to death of corporations. Yes, I know, employing people, the economy and blah blah blah. What I get is stock buy backs to boost the price, ridiculous CEO compensation, and screwing their employees and customers as hard as they can. Where is Katie Porter's white board when I need it.
I don't mean to go off the subject but it's all pieces of the same pie.
Adam, your experience as a pilot speaks volumes to these archaic restrictions and inherent dangers. Pilots need to be well to function effectively; updated rules, recognition of reality by the FAA would be most useful in getting pilots help as needed and then returning them to the passion of flying.
I have never been on a plane in my life. For one I'm terrified of heights and two I'm terrified of planes. But I definitely think mental health would be something we'd want our pilots to be in a good place regarding.
Ally, I'm irrationally afraid of heights but the phobia doesn't kick in while on a plane... Only in open air high up. I prefer train travel if I'm traveling. Much more relaxing, in my opinion. The sights on a plane during takeoff and landing are kinda fascinating, but being above the clouds all looks pretty much the same.
Thank you for letting me know. As there's places I'd like to travel that unfortunately require a plane or a really fast boat. I think maybe this year should be my year of working on getting over my fears of height and planes
The question I have is: Functionally, how can this be addressed?
Does it all end up being policies internal to the FAA? Do changes such as this need to be pushed from higher up by politicians in the executive branch?
If we had a functioning congress, would they have oversight to have changes made or is this too far into the details?
Is it something that a third party investigation committee would look into, commissioned either by somewhere in the executive branch or somewhere in the legislative branch?
Is this a call to action? I would be willing to compose correspondence to the FAA if that is what Adam wants.
Forgive me, Adam, for borderline comments that might sound abrasive:
This doesn't read like an Adam Kinzinger missive because of numerous typos.
I watched a YouTube video about the pilot who was mentioned. Mental health issues were mentioned. Evidently he and his ladyfriend had recently separated and he was depressed and upset - while struggling with long-term clinical depression - and went off to work one day and killed about 130 passengers. What a hero.
I would encourage any pilot to seek help, even if the job is at stake. Jobs are not worth lives. If something doesn't "feel right" - consistently - please seek help.
I don't have useful advice. I would not advise making mushrooms a solution.
I would share that systemic stigmatization can come back and bite people on the backside. Because I checked the "yes" box in 1985 to having been intimate with another male, I couldn't do blood donations in spite of my blood type - the universal donor. There was some talk of modifying the federal blacklist if the donor would be honest and forthright about same-sex... intercourse. That idea didn't gather momentum anywhere. I have never had so much as a cold sore, now in my mid-fifties, not far from sixty. There is no chance anymore that I can be persuaded to donate blood, and I am personally nice, mostly. I might have saved a life.
I'm not seeing blood drives presented as enthusiastically as they were when I was younger. Hmmm...
I would say that's a little thing as compared to pilot job jeopardy. I appreciate the forum you've created via Substack, Adam.
As a private pilot, I could not agree more with you. There are a number of issues about which the FAA is stuck in bygone days. But pilots’ mental health is most certainly one of the more important ones.
Amen
This is such an issue across our society that is only beginning to poke up it’s head and demand our nation’s attention. The stigma from decades ago still pervades us and yet it doesn’t dawn on us that the mind is is a part of the body and needs attention just as much as is given to smoking cessation to thwart lung cancer, statins to lower cholesterol for heart health. Because of a lack of desire to address this issue not only these pilots that Adam is speaking of need help but many in homeless population are not well mentally. There are some of the perpetrators of gun violence and shootings that should not possess a firearm because of their mental instability. Think of the soldiers no longer on active duty but suffer in silence with PTSD. Many addicted to opiates are trying to self treat mental afflictions. We need more mental health professionals who have the skills and vision to help alleviate these people who are suffering.
100% agree with this, Adam. Pilots have a lot at stake and mental health should be treated like any other disease/illness. If the pilot was diabetic, there would be no question but mental health issues is another story. I am happy to see that mental health is losing its stigma, but we still have a ways to go. My dad had issues back in the 70s, 30 day hospitalized and had electric shock therapy. It was awful, it worked and very grateful that it did. However, if one would tell anyone else, one could be ridiculed, lose a job (my dad was self employed), or any number of things. On another level, there seems to be a crises with providers these days. If you need to see someone, good luck. It can take months and months to see anyone and then someone who takes your insurance, even longer. I say this as my son needed help, serious help. He suffers from anxiety & panic attacks that were well controlled for quite awhile. He took a job for the state in the CPS department. He lasted 5 years and had to get out as he developed PTSD from what he saw and had to deal with. He called and called, calling some more and finally finding a psychiatrist but only to manage meds, not for any sort of therapy. Finally found a therapist and could only fit him in every 2-3 weeks. If he had an immediate issue he was told to go to the hospital which isn’t always the best. No one available to talk to through the therapists office, just go to the hospital. My son had to go that route earlier this year as my dad passed away (87) but by suicide (gun) and my son felt the need to go into the closet to see the aftermath. He is 30 and we told him he can’t unsee it but he wanted to for “closure”. At any rate, due to his PTSD, it was overwhelming and wanted to speak to his therapist. Nope, go to the hospital. He didn’t feel he needed to go but he knew if it was suggested, he’d better go. He said it was the worst experience in his life and he was released. My point being that mental health is very very important all the way around, we need to do better. Getting back to your point, the FAA needs to come current and make sure pilots are able to get the help they need and to reevaluate the medications. It’s truly disturbing to have pilots who are suffering with mental health issues and can’t do anything but self medicate. That is surely not safe but that is more acceptable??? Dismayed.
Speaking of mental health, the stigma is still there. I'm somebody that's battled mental health in the form of insomnia and extreme anxiety. But the second you say I struggle with mental health people look at you like you're some kind of crazy person and it's just not true. As a society, we need to be more understanding that just because you're mentally un balanced, it doesn't mean you shouldn't be able to talk about it and get the help that you deserve because for many years I struggled alone.
This is more than sad, it‘s outrageous. It nis also very complicated, ass the solution would require tapping into resources on many levels and at high cost. Of course it‘s worth it--but it will drive up costs and could end up costing airlines and the public, money. But I can‘t imagine anyone saying that an extra $40 on a place ticket is too much to pay for airline and pilot safety.
I am not in congress, and have little real knowledge of what the government and healthcare can provide. But my thoughts are :
1) pilot contracts that prohibit airlines from firing pilots who seek treatment for some period of time (like years not months)
2)a robust mental health system in place specifically for pilots--one that is confidential and involves professionals who have specific knowledge of the issues pilots face. This should include therapy, medication,time off, and anything else required to treat the illness
3)a requirement that pilots undergo not just drug screening but also mental health screening every few years (and perhaps random testing as well)
4)worker comp benefits arhat compensate pilots while unable to fly (it shocks me that this isn‘t in place already).
5) a retraining and/or re placement program for those permanently disabled but still able to work. We all get to the point where we can no longer do what we love--pilots are not so different from athletes or anyone who needs to be physically fit to do their job. But most expect this at some point and prepare mentally and financially for this. Pilots should not be the exception. In fact, acknowledging this should be part of their training.
Just some random thoughts on the matte. We need treat people with dignity and value. And we need to keep people safe. It’s impossible to put a price on these things, even though so many still try. People want/need to fly. Figuring out how to make sure this happens safely may require a whole of government, in partnership withheld military and private airlines and unions is likely what it will take. Fortunately, with Biden and Buttigieg in charge of transportation issues I would hope they can at least come up with a plan, even if the current congress won‘t fund it. The next step is to make congress have the political will to fund it.
Great ideas seriously
The next step would be to have a Congress that can function without being at each other’s throats, within their own party and across the aisle. Only then can we get the important things done for our nation.
Being an airline pilot has always been stressful because of the awesome responsibility they have to assume for the care of a hugely expensive piece of equipment but most importantly, the lives of everyone on board their plane.
There have been a lot of articles about the stress that the airlines themselves put on their pilots. One commuter airline overscheduled them, some were sleeping in trailors, NOT even a hotel room, for the very short layover and sleep time they had.
I have wondered about the FAA for a long time, they serve two masters, the airlines and the public and sometimes, not well. It is not surprising to me that pilots are having more mental health issues.
Flight schedules are nuts these days, flights are full because there are FEWER flights scheduled, passengers are irritated and sometimes hideous, and the airlines just want to make more and more and more profit. Not sure what for but that's what they want. The safety of everyone is at risk when pilots have unrecognized and untreated mental issues and the FAA better get on board. Of course admitting a problem goes against the "Superman" picture pilots are expected to make. It's certainly clear why there would be a lot of anxiety for pilots, especially these days.
I am writing my three "congress critters" today, so think I'll add this to the message. I hate to fly anyway and really want to be able to depend on who is in the cockpit. Thanks for bringing this up Adam.
I forgot to add that I read an article, last year I believe, that some airlines were ACTUALLY considering getting rid of the co-pilot to save money. I just can NOT imagine that but in researching, there were enough articles from some credible media sources, that I think they WERE. THAT is effing nuts!!!!! Not too long ago a pilot had a heart attack and died on the plane.
I am sick on to death of corporations. Yes, I know, employing people, the economy and blah blah blah. What I get is stock buy backs to boost the price, ridiculous CEO compensation, and screwing their employees and customers as hard as they can. Where is Katie Porter's white board when I need it.
I don't mean to go off the subject but it's all pieces of the same pie.
Excellent column, Adam. Either destigmatize mental illness or suffer the consequences of self-medication.
Catch 22 comes to mind.
Adam, your experience as a pilot speaks volumes to these archaic restrictions and inherent dangers. Pilots need to be well to function effectively; updated rules, recognition of reality by the FAA would be most useful in getting pilots help as needed and then returning them to the passion of flying.
I have never been on a plane in my life. For one I'm terrified of heights and two I'm terrified of planes. But I definitely think mental health would be something we'd want our pilots to be in a good place regarding.
Ally, I'm irrationally afraid of heights but the phobia doesn't kick in while on a plane... Only in open air high up. I prefer train travel if I'm traveling. Much more relaxing, in my opinion. The sights on a plane during takeoff and landing are kinda fascinating, but being above the clouds all looks pretty much the same.
Thank you for letting me know. As there's places I'd like to travel that unfortunately require a plane or a really fast boat. I think maybe this year should be my year of working on getting over my fears of height and planes
The question I have is: Functionally, how can this be addressed?
Does it all end up being policies internal to the FAA? Do changes such as this need to be pushed from higher up by politicians in the executive branch?
If we had a functioning congress, would they have oversight to have changes made or is this too far into the details?
Is it something that a third party investigation committee would look into, commissioned either by somewhere in the executive branch or somewhere in the legislative branch?
Really congress needs to compel the FAA because nobody will change rules and take ownership of it
Is this a call to action? I would be willing to compose correspondence to the FAA if that is what Adam wants.
Forgive me, Adam, for borderline comments that might sound abrasive:
This doesn't read like an Adam Kinzinger missive because of numerous typos.
I watched a YouTube video about the pilot who was mentioned. Mental health issues were mentioned. Evidently he and his ladyfriend had recently separated and he was depressed and upset - while struggling with long-term clinical depression - and went off to work one day and killed about 130 passengers. What a hero.
I would encourage any pilot to seek help, even if the job is at stake. Jobs are not worth lives. If something doesn't "feel right" - consistently - please seek help.
I don't have useful advice. I would not advise making mushrooms a solution.
I would share that systemic stigmatization can come back and bite people on the backside. Because I checked the "yes" box in 1985 to having been intimate with another male, I couldn't do blood donations in spite of my blood type - the universal donor. There was some talk of modifying the federal blacklist if the donor would be honest and forthright about same-sex... intercourse. That idea didn't gather momentum anywhere. I have never had so much as a cold sore, now in my mid-fifties, not far from sixty. There is no chance anymore that I can be persuaded to donate blood, and I am personally nice, mostly. I might have saved a life.
I'm not seeing blood drives presented as enthusiastically as they were when I was younger. Hmmm...
I would say that's a little thing as compared to pilot job jeopardy. I appreciate the forum you've created via Substack, Adam.