In the aviation world, people might shy away from seeking help due to fear of repercussions, according to NTSB chair Jennifer Homendy. She emphasized at a summit that current regulations could encourage individuals to lie or choose not to ask for assistance, potentially risking safety. On a recent note, the FAA announced the formation of a new advisory committee that could possibly alter reporting regulations. Homendy was prompted by a conversation with FAA administrator Michael Whitaker.
Homendy commended those battling mental health issues and hailed those who spoke at the summit, referring to them as "exceptionally brave." Kicking off the summit was former NTSB vice chair Bruce Landsberg, who divulged his struggles after the loss of his son, a military serviceman wrestling with post-traumatic stress disorder.
Landsberg, who is also an aviator, temporarily halted his flying after his son's demise. He flew with a seasoned pilot to guarantee safety before resuming flights. "I'm not deserting you," he underscored. Landsberg's emotional turmoil struck a chord with several in the aviation field.
The aviation macrocosm recently drew attention to pilots' mental health concerns in October, post an incident involving a non-duty pilot aiming to crash an Alaska Airlines plane from the cockpit. The pilot, Joseph Emerson, is alleged to have gone without sleep for 40 hours prior to the event, experimented with psychedelic mushrooms, and grappled with depression for an extended period, as court papers suggest.
Emerson, age 44, was off-duty in a cockpit jumpseat between Seattle and San Francisco when he reportedly mentioned "I'm not feeling well" and incapacitated both onboard fire extinguishers, according to court proceedings. Swift action from the crew impeded the plane from transforming into a soaring glider devoid of engines.
Emerson spoke to The New York Times last month, admitting that he had ingested the mushrooms two days prior to his flight to honor his late best friend. Emerson, currently incarcerated, revealed to the Times that he felt disoriented during the flight and sent a text to a friend, stating he was grappling with a "panic attack."
Emerson is facing charges of endangering an aircraft and reckless endangerment for each of the 83 passengers onboard. His legal team, Levi Merrithew Horst PC, stated that their client "never intended to harm others or put anyone at risk – he just wanted to return home to his wife and children."
The defense team also plans to present a comprehensive defense to the jury, encompassing all facets and circumstances associated with the case.
The aviation realm, including entities like the FAA, acknowledges the importance of tackling mental health issues and fostering a healthy safety culture. This entails acknowledging and addressing systemic problems such as a "climate of silence," which potentially fosters potential safety hazards.
Addressing mental health challenges, including crafting non-punitive disclosure pathways for mental health conditions and amplifying peer support programs, can help eradicate the stigma and build trust among aviation professionals. Moreover, organizations are striving to confront staffing crises, including air traffic controller shortages, which may contribute to a culture of excessive workload and potential safety risks.
Sources: 1. CNN 2. FAA 3. Air Charter Safety Foundation (ACSF)
Enrichment Insights:
- To combat mental health concerns in the aviation industry, proactive support systems, holistic training programs, cultural shifts, industry-wide changes, wellness initiatives, resilience building, and clear incident response protocols are essential.
- Encourage mental health resources, psychological and physiological training programs, normalize conversations, support systems for pilots, wellness-focused initiatives onboard flights, robust support systems, and ongoing evaluation to create a more supportive environment for pilots and passengers.
