AOPA Tackles Pilot Mental Health Stigma in May Awareness Campaign

The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) is focusing on pilot mental health throughout May. The campaign, timed with Mental Health Awareness Month, aims to tackle one of aviation’s most pressing issues. Many pilots avoid seeking help due to fears of losing their medical certification and damaging their careers. AOPA has long worked with Congress and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to ease barriers in the medical certification system. Now, the organisation is expanding its efforts with a dedicated month of activities. These include articles, videos, webinars, and interviews designed to educate pilots about available mental health resources.

On May 21, AOPA will host a webinar featuring pilot counsellor Reini Thijssen. The session will address concerns around mental well-being and career security. Additionally, the association plans to interview Federal Air Surgeon Susan Northrup about potential reforms to the medical certification process. The campaign also seeks to dispel a persistent myth: that seeking mental health support automatically ends a flying career. AOPA stresses that treatment does not have to result in losing a medical certificate. Instead, the focus is on ensuring pilots can access help without fear of professional consequences.

The initiative provides pilots with clearer information on mental health support and certification rules. By pushing for FAA reforms, AOPA hopes to reduce the stigma around seeking treatment. The month-long campaign underscores the need for systemic change to protect both pilots and the wider aviation industry.