OB340: Mental Health Matters

Opposing Bases: Air Traffic Talk

Episode 340 Show Notes

Topic of the show: Mental Health in Aviation by SGAC CB On this week’s show, AG and RH discuss the giant Penguin in the room: mental health. We have strong feelings about this topic and want to normalize the conversation to help remove the stigma associated with mental health issues in aviation. The FAA formed a mental health and aviation medical clearances rulemaking committee and said “Implementing the recommendations associated with these barriers will set the stage for a seismic shift in how the industry perceives and manages the risks associated with mental health conditions.” We normally keep our show topics fun and entertaining but we feel it’s important to speak up about the issue and normalize the difficult conversations.

Timely Feedback:

1. Patron PV asks AG to recount his briefly mentioned story about the scope going dark.

2. Patron TW provides insight into why RH’s commute home was terrible.

3. Patron SVO sent audio feedback about a real NORDO scenario in a jet.

4. Patron BJ updates us on a recently used acronym.

Feedback

1. Patron DSR has feedback about crossing the border.

2. Patron CWS sent audio asking about accidental replies to the wrong instruction.

3. Patron CM has info on a tour at the over the Cowboys Bravo Center.

Mentioned on the show:

Max Trescott’s Aviation News Talk Podcast episode on mental health: https://aviationnewstalk.com/podcast/335-mental-health-issues-what-pilots-need-to-know-with-dr-victor-vogel-ga-news/

FAA PUBLISHES MENTAL HEALTH RECOMMENDATIONS by AOPA’s Niki Britton:

https://www.aopa.org/news-and-media/all-news/2024/april/03/faa-publishes-mental-health-recommendations

The FAA formed a Mental Health and Aviation Medical Clearances Aviation Rulemaking Committee (ARC) full report: http://www.faa.gov/sites/faa.gov/files/Mental_Health_ARC_Final_Report_RELEASED.pdf

Flying Midwest Pilot, episode 51 “Clear Mind and Clear Skies with Dr. Penny Levin”: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/flyingmidwest-podcast/episodes/Episode-51-Clear-Minds-and-Clear-Skies---with-CFIDr--Penny-Levin-e2eg59p

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