Mental Health in Aviation Act of 2025
Summary
The Mental Health in Aviation Act of 2025 aims to revise FAA regulations to encourage aviation personnel to seek help for mental health conditions and to disclose such conditions. It mandates updates to regulations, including those in Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations. The act also requires the FAA Administrator to conduct annual reviews of the mental health special issuance process for pilots and air traffic controllers.
Expected Effects
This act will likely lead to increased awareness and acceptance of mental health treatment within the aviation industry. It could also result in more pilots and air traffic controllers seeking help without fear of losing their certifications. The act also allocates funding for additional aviation medical examiners and a public information campaign.
Potential Benefits
- Encourages individuals in aviation to seek mental health support.
- Improves mental health knowledge and training for aviation medical examiners.
- Streamlines the special issuance process for pilots and air traffic controllers.
- Allocates funding for additional aviation medical examiners and related activities.
- Launches a public information campaign to destigmatize mental health care in the aviation industry.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential costs associated with implementing the new regulations and programs.
- Possible delays in processing special issuance requests due to increased volume.
- Concerns about the privacy of individuals disclosing mental health conditions.
- Risk of unintended consequences from reclassifying medications without sufficient data.
- Justification required for not implementing recommendations could create bureaucratic hurdles.
Constitutional Alignment
The act aligns with the general welfare clause of the Constitution, as it seeks to promote the well-being of aviation personnel and the safety of air travel. Specifically, the act does not appear to infringe upon any specific constitutional rights or limitations. The act falls under the powers granted to Congress to regulate commerce and provide for the general welfare.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).