Good News for Pilots – Digging Further into the FAA Updates on Mental Health

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The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has made some changes to the medical certification process for pilots, specifically regarding mental-health diagnoses (AME Fast Track Pathway). This is great news for pilots who may have been concerned about their eligibility to fly due to past treatment for certain conditions.

Here's what you need to know:

  • More diagnoses are now considered acceptable: If you've been diagnosed with certain mental-health conditions, like “uncomplicated” anxiety or depression (see the list below), you may still be eligible to fly, even if you have received treatment.
  • Treatment history matters, but not as much: The FAA now recognizes that pilots can receive treatment for common mental-health concerns and still be perfectly capable of flying safely. As long as your treatment involved one medication at most without relapse, and you haven't taken it in at least two years, you're good to go.
  • Specific “uncomplicated” diagnoses covered: The updates cover several common conditions, including:
    • Generalized Anxiety Disorder
    • Situational Anxiety (adjustment disorder with anxiety)
    • Social Anxiety Disorder
    • Unspecified Anxiety
    • Postpartum Depression
    • Situational Depression (adjustment disorder with depressed mood)
    • Unspecified Depression
    • A combination of Anxiety and Depression (adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood)

What this means for you:

If you have any of these conditions in your past medical history, and your treatment falls within the new guidelines (one medication, stopped at least two years ago), you don't necessarily need to worry about it affecting your eligibility to fly.

Important Note:

This article provides a simplified overview. It's always best to consult with an Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) for specific guidance relative to your situation. They can review your medical history and determine your eligibility based on the FAA's latest requirements.

As a reminder, taking care of yourself is the best thing you can do for your flying career and your overall well-being. Everyone deserves a safe space to land, including you.

If you have any other questions or want to chat about options, please feel free to reach out to me at [email protected].




SOURCEAero Crew News, August 2024
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Shannon Torres, a former CACREP-Accredited Counselor, embarked on a unique career journey by transitioning to aviation in 2019. During her tenure with a 121 carrier, she became acutely aware of the unseen struggles and stressors faced by pilots. Motivated by a desire to bridge the gap between personal wellness and professional excellence, she founded Aviation Conversations in 2023. This coaching business is tailored specifically for pilots who seek to harmonize personal well-being, stress management, and career success from a space that is safe and considered medically non-reportable. Additionally, Shannon is deeply invested in advocacy efforts within the aviation community. As a volunteer for the Pilot Mental Health Campaign (PMHC), she contributes to a non-partisan, grassroots movement dedicated to fostering a culture of health and well-being within aviation. Through her involvement with PMHC, she actively promotes FAA aeromedical reform, advocating for the holistic well-being of pilots. Shannon Torres embodies a commitment to a healthier and more resilient aviation industry. For further information or inquiries, please reach Shannon at [email protected]. "Because everyone deserves a safe space to land, including you."

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