House passes pilot mental health bill

The bipartisan bill, H.R.2591, was introduced by Reps. Sean Casten (D-Ill.) and Pete Stauber (R-Minn.) and passed by a voice vote on September 8. It directs the FAA to modernize its medical certification process to better support pilots and air traffic controllers who seek treatment. Specifically, it would:

• Require the FAA to revise regulations over the next two years to encourage voluntary disclosure of mental health conditions and treatment.
• Require annual reviews of the special issuance process to expand treatment options and approved medications.
• Provide nearly $14 million annually through 2028 to recruit and train more aviation medical examiners, including psychiatrists, to help reduce the current backlog of special issuance applications.
• Provide $1.5 million annually through 2028 to launch a public information campaign to reduce stigma, raise awareness of available services, and build trust with pilots and air traffic controllers.
• Implement recommendations from the 2024 Mental Health and Aviation Medical Clearances Rulemaking Committee.

AOPA served on the rulemaking committee, which addressed the culture within the aviation industry, the stigma and lack of knowledge surrounding mental health treatment, mistrust in the aeromedical process, and the often-complicated process of obtaining a medical certificate.

“I commend Representatives Casten and Stauber for their leadership on this issue. For too long, pilots have lived with the fear of seeking treatment for a mental health concern,” said AOPA President Darren Pleasance. “This bill takes meaningful steps to ensure pilots can prioritize their health and keep flying.”

The bill now heads to the Senate for consideration.