NFTA Backs Mental Health in Aviation Act of 2025
Pictured NFTA and Federal Aviation Administration Logos
The National Flight Training Alliance (NFTA) proudly announces its full support for the Mental Health in Aviation Act of 2025 (H.R.) introduced by Representative Sean Casten in the 119th Congress. This landmark legislation represents a critical step forward in addressing mental health challenges within the aviation community, ensuring a safer, and healthier workforce for pilots, air traffic controllers, and other aviation professionals.
The Mental Health in Aviation Act of 2025 directs the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to revise outdated regulations and policies surrounding mental health disclosures for individuals engaged in aviation activities. By implementing recommendations from the Aviation Workforce Mental Health Task Group established under the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024, as well as the Mental Health and Aviation Medical Clearances Aviation Rulemaking Committee, the bill seeks to destigmatize mental health care and encourage individuals to seek help without fear of undue penalty or career repercussions.
Key provisions of the bill include:
Updating FAA regulations within two years to support individuals disclosing mental health conditions or symptoms.
Conducting annual reviews of the mental health special issuance process to approve additional safe medications, enhance the authority of aviation medical examiners (AMEs), and streamline approvals for pilots and air traffic controllers.
Authorizing $13.74 million annually from 2026 to 2029 to recruit and train additional AMEs, including psychiatrists, and to address backlogs in the Office of Aerospace Medicine.
Allocating $1.5 million annually from 2026 to 2029 for a public information campaign to reduce stigma and raise awareness of mental health resources within the aviation industry.
“The NFTA strongly believes that mental health is as vital as physical health in maintaining aviation safety and workforce resilience,” said Scott Firsing PhD, Vice President of Legislative Affairs for the NFTA.
NFTA’s CEO Lee Collins adds: “This legislation not only modernizes FAA policies but also fosters a culture of openness and support, ensuring that those who train and work in aviation can thrive personally and professionally. We commend Representative Casten for his leadership on this issue and urge Congress to swiftly pass this transformative bill.”
The NFTA, dedicated to advancing excellence in flight training and aviation education, recognizes that mental well-being is essential to producing skilled, confident aviators. By aligning federal regulations with contemporary mental health science and best practices, the Mental Health in Aviation Act of 2025 will help remove barriers that have historically discouraged individuals from seeking care, ultimately strengthening the aviation industry.
About National Flight Training Alliance
The NFTA is dedicated to promoting accessible, high-quality flight training and supporting the development of a robust aviation workforce to meet the evolving needs of the industry. For more information about the National Flight Training Alliance visit www.nftaus.org/
Media Contact:
Claudia Cohen
Director of Marketing & Communications, NFTA
Email: ccohen@nftaus.org
Phone: (917) 373-7731