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system?’” Her question echoes the central concern all stakeholders seek to address: how to ensure a safe and healthy environment for pilots and passengers alike. She suggests a groundbreaking and innovative approach, integrating “the whole pi- lot, not just their technical prowess” into safety management systems.
Thankfully, the tide is turning. Younger generations, like 18-year- old student pilot Zachary Friedman, are openly discussing their experi- ences with mental health, breaking down stigma and fostering conver- sations. However, Friedman’s story also serves as a stark reminder of the remaining challenges. Despite using only a topical acne medication and receiving a childhood anxiety diagnosis with a stable medication history, he was caught in the complex and opaque Special Issuance process for over a year (441 days to be exact), incurring significant financial costs and facing an uncertain future in his chosen career.
Like many others, Friedman’s sto- ry underscores the need for a com- prehensive overhaul of the current
system and a commitment to creat- ing a more supportive and accessible environment for pilots seeking men- tal health assistance.
Voices for Change: Inspiration and Action
Thankfully, global initiatives offer valuable lessons and inspire change. In 2014, New Zealand witnessed a series of pilot suicides. In response, a collaborative effort between airlines, air traffic control groups, and flight schools led to the Peer Assistance Network (PAN) creation. PAN, named after the universal call of urgency in aviation (“PAN-PAN!”), offers peer support for mental health and has emerged as a successful case study.
Captain Bongers, who is involved with PAN, shares that most calls are handled at the volunteer level, dem- onstrating the effectiveness of peer support. This approach fosters a safe space for pilots to openly discuss their struggles and receive understanding from someone who empathizes with their unique challenges.
While peer support programs ex- ist in the U.S., accessibility is often
limited to specific companies or unions. PAN’s model is an example of a holistic, inclusive, and collabora- tive approach, funded proportionally by sponsors, making it accessible to all pilots in New Zealand. PAN’s success demonstrates the potential for broader adoption and adaptation of such programs.
The mental health narrative is also shifting within the U.S. govern- ment, driven by figures like Jenni- fer Homendy, Chair of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). Homendy emphasizes the need for collaboration and a cultural shift within the aviation industry, one that prioritizes transparency, early inter- vention, and readily available support without fear of repercussions.
Grassroots movements like the Pi- lot Mental Health Campaign (PMHC) are crucial in advocating this cultural shift. PMHC founder Brian Bomhoff emphasizes the significance of “creat- ing a positive message around mental health and mental hygiene” and fos- tering an environment where seeking help is not seen as a risk or sign of weakness but is encouraged as a sign of strength and dedication to safety.
12 • TWIN & TURBINE / April 2024