FAA Establishes Committee to Address Mental Health in Aviation
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has officially formed the Mental Health and Aviation Medical Clearances Rulemaking Committee (ARC), aiming to address mental health concerns among pilots and air traffic controllers. FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker emphasized the committee’s importance in breaking down barriers and promoting well-being in the aviation industry.
The ARC will submit recommendations by March 2024, and experts from the aviation and medical fields will soon be revealed as committee members. This initiative follows recent reports of challenges, including allegations of substance use among air traffic controllers and a disturbing incident involving an ex-Alaska Airlines pilot.
