NATA applauds the FAA’s recent aeromedical guidance encouraging pilots and air traffic controllers to seek counseling, psychotherapy, and other mental health support when medically appropriate. The update adds new counseling-specific resources under Item 47 of the FAA Guide for Aviation Medical Examiners and reinforces that participation in counseling should not, by itself, jeopardize medical certification. Instead, AMEs are directed to focus on any underlying condition, its severity, and the individual’s ability to safely perform aviation duties
The updated guidance marks a significant step toward supporting early intervention and strengthening aviation safety via pilot mental health. NATA supports continued FAA efforts to modernize mental health policies and encourage aviation professionals to seek care while maintaining the highest safety standards of safety for the National Airspace System.