The Daily
The Sunday Read: ‘Why Airline Pilots Feel Pushed to Hide Their Mental Illness’
Mar 30, 2025
Helena Yang, an emergency physician and contributor to The New York Times magazine, dives into the pressing issue of mental health among airline pilots. She discusses the harrowing story of pilot Troy Merritt, who felt compelled to hide his depression to keep flying. The conversation highlights the stigma surrounding mental illness in aviation and the potential dangers it poses to flight safety. Yang advocates for policy reforms and improved support systems, underscoring the need for a cultural shift in how the industry addresses mental health challenges.
47:52
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Quick takeaways
- The fear of losing their careers due to mental health diagnoses prevents many pilots from seeking necessary help, as highlighted by Troy Merritt's experience.
- Legislative efforts like the Mental Health and Aviation Act aim to reform FAA policies, balancing the need for mental health support with aviation safety concerns.
Deep dives
The Impact of Mental Health Regulations on Pilots
Strict regulations by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have historically prohibited pilots with mental health diagnoses, such as depression, from flying. This policy creates a fear among pilots of losing their careers if they disclose any mental health issues. Interviews reveal that many pilots have concealed their conditions, believing that seeking help could lead to longer absences from work or permanent grounding. This reluctance to disclose leads to underreporting of mental health issues among pilots, raising safety concerns about their ability to operate aircraft safely.
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