# Mental Health in Aviation Act of 2024

This bill is designed to make it easier for pilots and air traffic controllers to seek mental health treatment without fear of losing their jobs or licenses. Right now, many aviation professionals avoid getting help for depression, anxiety, or other mental health issues because they worry that disclosing a diagnosis could end their career. This bill aims to change that by updating the rules that govern who can fly and work in the aviation system.

The Federal Aviation Administration will have two years to revise its regulations to encourage people in aviation to seek mental health care and be open about their conditions. The bill also requires annual reviews of the process for getting special approval to work while taking psychiatric medications—essentially making it easier for treated individuals to stay in their jobs. To make this work, the FAA will hire more aviation medical examiners (doctors who evaluate whether pilots and controllers are fit to work) and provide them better training in mental health. The bill sets aside about $13.7 million per year through 2028 for recruiting and training these examiners, including psychiatrists who can better evaluate mental health conditions.

Additionally, the bill funds a public awareness campaign costing $1.5 million per year to reduce the stigma around mental health treatment in the aviation industry. The goal is to help aviation workers understand that seeking help is acceptable and won't automatically disqualify them from their careers. The FAA will also need to regularly review which psychiatric medications are safe for pilots and controllers to take while working, potentially approving more options than currently allowed. Overall, this bill recognizes that mental health is just as important as physical health for aviation safety, and that people are more likely to get help if they don't fear career-ending consequences.