WASHINGTON, D.C.— The Air Line Pilots Association, Int'l (ALPA) commended the U.S. House of Representatives' Transportation and Infrastructure Committee today, led by Chairman Sam Graves (R-MO) and Ranking Member Rick Larsen (D-WA), for advancing the Mental Health in Aviation Act (H.R. 2591), legislation introduced by Representatives Sean Casten (D-IL) and Pete Stauber (R-MN).
“The Mental Health in Aviation Act represents a crucial step forward in improving aviation safety and maintaining a healthy work environment for pilots, and we appreciate Reps. Casten and Stauber for their bipartisan leadership on this important issue,” said Capt. Jason Ambrosi, ALPA president. “By implementing the Mental Health Aviation Rulemaking Committee's recommendations, improving the special issuance process, and providing resources for additional aviation medical examiners, this bill acknowledges that a pilot's psychological well-being is just as important as their physical health.”
For far too long, aviation professionals have faced a difficult choice between seeking necessary mental health care and maintaining their careers. The current regulatory framework creates a punitive culture that forces pilots and air traffic controllers to risk their livelihoods by seeking professional help. This outdated approach not only harms individual aviators but undermines the very safety standards U.S. aviation is built upon. The Mental Health in Aviation Act will help destigmatize mental health issues in aviation and advance aviation safety by improving the FAA's medical review system and encouraging more pilots and controllers to seek care when needed.
“ALPA stands ready to continue our work with Congress, the FAA, and all stakeholders to ensure this landmark legislation is enacted into law. Together, we can build a better aviation system where seeking mental health care is viewed not as a career risk, but as a professional responsibility and a cornerstone of safe operations. ALPA strongly supports this legislation that will help remove the stigma surrounding mental health treatment while ensuring that aviation safety remains paramount,” said Ambrosi.
Founded in 1931, ALPA is the largest airline pilot union in the world and represents more than 79,000 pilots at 42 U.S. and Canadian airlines. Visit ALPA.org or follow us on X @ALPAPilots.
