Why Pilots Say It’s Easier to Change Federal Law Than Get Mental Health Care

✈️ If You’re a Pilot or ATC Struggling Right Now
You’re not alone. This episode is for you. There are people fighting to make it safe to get help without sacrificing your identity and your career.

“It’s going to be faster and easier for us to change federal law than it is for a pilot to get certified with minor to moderate mental health issues.”

In this powerful conversation, Ramos Law Director of Aviation Joseph LoRusso sits down with Chris Finlayson, United Airlines A320 pilot and Executive Director of the Pilot Mental Health Campaign (PMHC), to talk about one of aviation’s biggest open secrets: pilots and air traffic controllers are afraid to seek mental health care.

They break down:
Why so many pilots wait until they’re in crisis before getting help
How FAA medical rules and the 8500 form create a “catch-22” that can turn honesty into a felony
The Mental Health and Aviation Act and Aviation Medication Transparency Act. What they actually do and why they matter
The shocking reality that it was faster to move a bill through the U.S. House than for one pilot to get FAA-certified on treatment
The human cost: long COVID, anxiety, depression, divorce, burnout, and crashes in an industry built on professionalism and safety
Why untreated mental health is a bigger safety risk than allowing pilots to proactively seek care
How pilots, ATC, and the FAA can move from fear and silence to partnership and transparency

🔹 About PMHC
PMHC is the first national political advocacy organization focused on reforming how mental health is treated in U.S. aviation. They’re pushing to:

Enact all 24 recommendations of the FAA’s Aviation Rulemaking Committee on mental health
Increase funding and staffing for aviation medical reviewers and mental health specialists
Require modern, science-based annual reviews of mental health policies
Create real transparency around which medications are allowed and why

👉 Want to Help?
Support the Pilot Mental Health Campaign, volunteer, or learn more about their work:
pmhc.org (donation & volunteer info available there)
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📌 About Ramos Aviation Law
Ramos Law’s aviation team represents pilots and air traffic controllers across the country in FAA medical and certificate defense, as well as crash litigation and safety advocacy.

📞 For more information about FAA medical or certificate issues, visit our aviation team at Ramos Law or contact us directly.

Ramos Law – Aviation Law Attorneys serving clients nationwide.

If you’re a pilot, crew member, or aviation professional facing FAA medical certification issues, enforcement actions, or other aviation-related legal matters, contact us today. We help protect your career, your license, and your rights.

📞 Nationwide: 720-764-6865
🔗 For more info: https://www.ramoslaw.com/aviation-law/
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