Richard Wesmoreland recalls his early days as an airline pilot with fondness. However, relentless shifts and long commutes between his home near Houston and Detroit-based regional carrier SkyWest began to fray his freshly formed marital bond, and take a toll on his mental health. “I was spiralling into a dark abyss,” admits the 37-year-old, who was previously a flight attendant.
Wesmoreland chose to surrender his wings, a decision driven by the apprehension many pilots share: the fear that seeking assistance for mental afflictions could result in the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) terminating their careers. Westmoreland stands among numerous pilots now pleading with the FAA to enforce urgently-needed mental health reforms.
Their cry for change grew louder this week when off-duty captain Joseph D. Emerson was charged with attempting to down an Alaska Airlines flight. Present in the cockitta jump seat between Seattle to San Francisco, Emerson admitted to not being in a clear mental state before pulling two engine fire extinguisher handles. However, the crew’s prompt action averted the impending disaster of transforming the 24-ton jet into an engineless glider. Emerson later confessed to chronic depression, sleep deprivation spanning over 40 hours, and recent hallucinogenic mushroom usage.
According to FAA requirements, without a medical certificate proving their fitness, pilots are unable to fly. The path to obtaining this certificate demands battling extensive paperwork, doctor visits, and a FAA case-by-case re-evaluation often costing thousands of dollars. Such ordeals discourage pilots from admitting their mental health issues, thereby exacerbating the problem, says Dr. Brent Blue, a senior aviation medical examiner.
In a statement to CNN, the FAA affirmed its commitment to eradicating the stigma surrounding mental health, incentivizing pilots to seek help, as most disorders do not disqualify them. Despite their assurances, the threat of having certification rescinded due to significant mental health issues discourages honesty, fostering an atmosphere of fear.
The implications of these silencing regulations are stark, with over half of pilots avoiding medical treatment for fear of certificate revocation, according to a study by the University of North Dakota. Neurologist and researcher Dr. William Hoffman praises the FAA’s instrumental role in ensuring aviation safety while outlining the significant jump needed to balance safety and mental health concerns.
A slew of incidents have led to a wider dialogue about professional pilots’ mental health. Perhaps the most infamous case is that of Germanwings Flight 9525, where confidentiality rules stopped doctors from reporting a pilot’s dire mental state, which led to a fatal crash killing 150 passengers.
Another investigation into the mysterious disappearance of Malaysia Airlines Flight 370, explored the mental health of the pilot, but found no evidence of concerns. A damning FAA report following both tragedies emphasized a culture promoting early disclosure, effective treatment, and speedy return to duty while refraining from adding psychological tests to the medical examination.
Pilots report escalating stress levels in recent years, exacerbated by the unpredictable impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the aviation industry. The increased stressors on the pilots pose a potential threat to their mental wellbeing and consequently the safety of passengers.
Chair of the National Transportation Safety Board, Jennifer Homendy joins the voices demanding change, criticising the FAA’s outdated and counterproductive regulations that inadvertently promote dishonesty. She is set to initiate a series of discussions surrounding aviation and mental health, urging the FAA to reconsider its approach.
A glimmer of hope lies in pilot unions’ peer support programs, providing a safe space for pilots to discuss their concerns. With two pilots in every cockpit and a robust support system, passengers can rest easy, says Captain Dennis Tajer, spokesman for the Allied Pilots Association.
Dr. Brent Blue summarizes the situation well, stating “Quite honestly, if a commercial pilot doesn’t feel stressed or depressed at some point in their career, then something’s wrong with them. It’s a tough job, and it’s a tough lifestyle for a lot of people.”
