By Kathryn B. Creedy Universities, operators and unions gathered together during the 2o22 University Aviation Association conference to discuss mental health, a growing issue in an industry in which such a topic has long been a third rail to...
By Kathryn B. Creedy
Universities, operators and unions gathered together during the 2o22 University Aviation Association conference to discuss mental health, a growing issue in an industry in which such a topic has long been a third rail to careers.
The overwhelming message was reaching out for help is not a career ender, but emphasis must be placed on preventing the escalation of mental – or any health issue for that matter – into a crisis that could threaten a student’s education or a pilot’s career. Speakers also noted human factors is just another facet to safety management systems and advised that support programs must be accessed throughout an employee’s career.
“Is it better to let problems fester into a crisis or to perhaps take time away from studies or career to get healthy,” asked one speaker, equating mental health issues to any other health problem. “Pilots and students must understand getting help may not end their career. They must understand that talking about having a tough day or asking about mental health is okay.”
“We know how to train our bodies,” said USAF Academy Peak Performance Center Dr. Dillon Small who, with other speakers reported a dramatic shift over the last five years that students and aviators are more receptive to talking to a psychologist. “We also know how to train our craft and fly airplanes. The next challenge is the mental component. We must teach how we can get better and stronger and leverage that for better performance.”
While illuminating the programs such a Peer Support Groups to help students and employees navigate life’s problems, stress or mental health issues, speakers focused on destigmatizing psychological issues using the ALPA’s mantra – Talk Early and Talk Often. The Air Force, for instance, recast the debate as a way not only to be mentally and physically health but as a way to improve performance. But pilots said conflating the two could be dangerous since they are two separate issues and focusing on performance could complicate resolving mental health issues.
Everyone is now placing a higher priority on mental health, speakers noted including airlines with their Peer Support Programs (PSPs) Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, National Business Aircraft Association, the US Air Force and collegiate aviation. The idea is to increase opportunities for students and pilots to find appropriate helping agencies and community support when faced with stressful challenges.
Speakers all recommended creating Peer Support Groups (PSPs) or, in the case with pilots flying the line the Pilot Peer Support (PPS) something all mainlines currently have. In addition, they described how to go about setting up programs and training peer volunteers. ALPA members are covered by its PPS while FedEx, United and Delta have standalone programs.
Embry-Riddle Professor Jennah Perry noted her studies showed a significant reduction in stress after students took the stress management course at the university. Her study colleague Anastasia Rivera added it is a matter of building awareness of how bodies and minds work and identifying the warning signs of stress. Finally, ERAU Jorge Abelo discussed the different stressors found in minority populations and how to address that cohort both in college and in careers. He emphasized working with the many affinity groups already in the industry including Latino Pilots Association, National Gay Pilots Association and Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals.
