The Sad Reason Pilots Tend To Avoid Mental Health Treatment

Becoming a commercial airline pilot is no easy feat. Learning to operate an airplane takes immense dedication and a passion for aviation. Many consider it a dream job, but only a select few have what it takes to make it through the rigorous and expensive training. Completing the many requirements is understandably a source of pride for pilots. It's more than a job — for many, it's a major part of their life and identity. After dedicating their lives to aviation, the potential risk of losing their job may seem unthinkable. Sadly, that fear keeps many pilots from pursuing mental health treatment, which is detrimental for them — and dangerous for their passengers.

According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), most mental health conditions "do not disqualify a pilot from flying" as long as they're being treated properly. The FAA encourages pilots to seek mental health treatment whenever they need it and to properly report that information, which sounds great on paper. Despite encouragement from the FAA, many aviation professionals argue that in reality, they will lose their ability to fly almost as soon as the FAA finds out they're using mental health medications or seeking mental health treatment. They may get to keep their license, but they'll be "grounded" and unable to work until they jump through all the hoops to prove they're fit to fly. The process can take many months, during which time pilots may be without income. Instead of seeking much needed mental healthcare, some pilots choose to keep quiet in order to protect their careers.

Working as a pilot can be extremely lucrative. The highest paid experienced pilots at major airlines can make over half a million dollars per year, and the average annual salary at most well-known airlines ranges from $150,000 to $200,000. While it sounds like a pretty good gig, some pilots are in loads of debt from their education and training. The cost to become a pilot is over $100,000, and the majority of pilots take out private college loans in order to pay for their flight schools. After meeting all of their requirements, entry-level pilots often work at small subsidiary airlines where the pay can be as low as $50,000 a year. Pilots suffering from mental health concerns don't just worry about losing a high paying job — they may fear not being able to pay back the money they owe.

Most pilots take 3-4 years to complete their schooling before becoming a commercial airline pilot. Before they can be hired by an airline, they'll need 1,500 hours of total flight time. The struggles and sacrifices are worth it to those who have always dreamed of flying. When mental health symptoms make an unwanted appearance, pilots might tell themselves that their depression is temporary, that their anxiety will eventually subside, or that the issues simply aren't serious enough to risk losing their wings. Imagine working hard for years and then having it all snatched away from you due to a health issue. It's easy to see why pilots would choose silent agony over seeking help. 

Unfortunately, most mental health issues don't just go away on their own. Perhaps they're easy to ignore for a while, but symptoms can quickly worsen or slowly grow over time. Traveling often has bizarre effects on the human body, and a career in aviation may have negative effects on mental health. Working as a pilot is stressful — just imagine the pressure of holding hundreds of lives in your hand each and every day. The career requires lots of time away from home, which could lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness. Pilots won't tell you this, but they're often exhausted from the long hours. Studies show that many feel depressed and anxious. 

Maintaining good mental health among pilots is crucial for the safety of aviation. Procedures exist for when a pilot falls ill during a flight, but in 2023 a pilot hid his depression instead of pursuing treatment, resulting in a dangerous in-flight emergency. Certain conditions, like psychosis, bipolar disorder, and personality disorders will immediately disqualify a pilot from flying, according to the FAA. Pilots are required to take health assessments with Aviation Medical Examiners (AME) throughout their careers that include mental health evaluations, where they "must disclose all existing physical and psychological conditions and medications." The medical form includes specific questions about mental health, and AMEs are trained to identify potential psychological disorders. Instead of lying on the form, which could cause them to lose their license or even go to jail, pilots might simply avoid seeking treatment. The FAA is currently working to reduce the stigma around mental health concerns so that more pilots feel comfortable talking about their struggles and seeking treatment.