Senate approves legislation targeted at pilot, air traffic control mental health guidance

The U.S. Senate passed two bills Thursday aimed at making it easier for pilots and air traffic controllers to seek mental health care and reducing stigma. Both measures advanced unanimously and now head to the House. One bill, sponsored by Sen. John Hoeven (R-N.D.), would require the Federal Aviation Administration to issue guidance encouraging treatment for mental health issues and provide “enhanced” training for aviation medical examiners. The proposal also honors John A. Hauser, an aviation student from Chicago who died by suicide in 2021 while studying at the University of North Dakota. A second bill by Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) would have the FAA create and update annually a list of medications that can be safely prescribed to aviation personnel.