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Washington Post: Pilots hide mental health issues so they don't lose their wings (gift link) (wapo.st)

submitted 9 months ago by _WC@lemmy.world to c/flying@lemmyfly.org

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It’s an issue that needs greater visibility, so I hope this kind of reporting is a step towards reform.

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[–] Nastybutler@lemmy.world 2 points 9 months ago (3 children)

Reform how? Do you want to get on a plane with a pilot who's suffering from mental health issues? It's not an easy solution. Unless airlines are willing to pay pilots to not fly while getting treatment, which may never be completely so they'd be paying indefinitely, there really isn't a good solution. Spoiler: airlines won't be willing.

[–] _WC@lemmy.world 3 points 9 months ago

I'd argue the current punitive system makes it more likely you will be flying "with a pilot who’s suffering from mental health issues" that are hidden instead of treated. The problems exist now, they're just buried and ignored instead of addressed. I also think it's harmful to treat it so black and white, that either a person is "normal" or "mentally ill" with no grades or ability to be treated. Reform is possible, I think, by allowing disclosure and treatment of issues up front while continuing to operate at some level (maybe under supervision), instead of waiting years without being able to work while paying out of pocket for five figures-worth of tests. Even just streamlining the review and approval or denial to weeks instead of months or years would be a start.

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