Pilot mental health reform
By Christopher Cooper, AOPA senior director, regulatory affairs
I participated in a roundtable discussion at EAA AirVenture to discuss pilot mental health and reform. The panel of medical experts included the FAA’s Federal Air Surgeon, Dr. Susan Northrup. We all agreed it is critical for pilots (and anyone else) who experience mental health challenges to get the care they need. We appreciate the FAA’s recognition of this important issue, and we will all work to help pilots—hopefully without fear of losing their medical, or worse, their livelihood.
In a recent study of 3,765 U.S. pilots, just more than 56 percent of the respondents indicated they had participated in some form of healthcare avoidance behavior for fear of losing their medical certificate. Specifically, nearly 27 percent admitted to misrepresenting or withholding information during aeromedical screening for the same fear. This is just a part of the larger dilemma that we recognize many pilots face, and we must find ways to move forward that protect both safety and those pilots impacted by manageable mental health conditions.
At EAA AirVenture, I described three important areas to improve policies and reduce structural barriers to support individuals with mental health issues. First, remove the stigma of mental health matters to reduce the social barriers of seeking help when you need it. Second, effective communication of mental health resources and facts through education and outreach. Finally, address the policies and processes pilots face that can take months or even years long. We are fortunate to have Northrup, who is aware of these issues and open to helping pilots operate safely while getting the care they need. Fly safe and take care of yourself—and each other. AOPA’s Medical Certification Specialists can provide you guidance to navigate this journey ([email protected]).
On the front lines
Great airports are managed ‘like a business’
By Mike Ginter, AOPA vice president, airports and state advocacy
AOPA has engaged with countless airport issues over the past 83 years, and we have seen “the good, the bad, and the ugly.” Thankfully, most of the 5,000-plus public use airports are very well managed and look for ways to grow their services to support general aviation. One of the common themes we see at “great” airports is a management philosophy of supporting general aviation operations and managing the airport with both tenants and itinerant operations in mind. These airports have well-developed vision statements, and work hard to attract more tenants by building hangars, keeping the facilities and runways clean and attractive, and setting a culture that makes every local and transient pilot feel welcome.
When our team of airport advocates are asked to help with an airport issue, we collaborate with the local AOPA Airport Support Network volunteer, the airport manager, and local pilot groups to find an acceptable solution. Over the years, AOPA has developed an extensive online resource library of documents and case studies to help our volunteers and members learn more about airport management, funding, hangar development, hosting community or media events, and other topics.
Consider volunteering for the Airport Support Network or glance at our airport resource library online (aopa.org/asn). Our regional managers can be reached at 800-USA-AOPA.
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