Calling Out Selective Advocacy in Pilot Mental Health
Yesterday, the Pilot Mental Health Campaign announced on X (formerly Twitter) that the Mental Health in Aviation Act has reached 31 cosponsors—an important milestone for improving mental health support in aviation. While Pilots for HIMS Reform recognizes the value of this first step, it is impossible to ignore the glaring hypocrisy and selective advocacy behind the announcement.
Our coalition responded publicly to highlight what so many pilots already know: the Pilot Mental Health Campaign consistently chooses which pilots “count.” They celebrate broad slogans like #safetynotstigma, yet actively block engagement from pilots who challenge the status quo—especially those confronting the abuses of the FAA’s HIMS program.
“Of which we are one because we recognize the importance of this first step! What’s concerning is your organization’s continued disregard for all pilots’ mental health as is evidenced by your blocking of our engagement with your organization on Facebook and in general…”
“Either support ALL pilots under the mental health umbrella or change your name to Only Certain Pilots With Certain Mental Health Conditions Campaign! The hypocrisy is unbelievable!!”
This is exactly why Pilots for HIMS Reform exists: to give voice to pilots who are ignored, sidelined, or silenced by organizations claiming to represent mental health progress while refusing to address the systemic coercion and lack of transparency embedded in HIMS.
Mental health reform means standing up for every pilot—not just those whose experiences are palatable to established advocacy groups. Anything less is empty branding.
We will continue to speak the truth, call out performative gestures, and demand meaningful change.