Mental Health in Aviation Act of 2025
Bill Number: H.R. 2591
Introduced: April 2, 2025 by Rep. Sean Casten and bipartisan co-sponsors
Committee: House Transportation and Infrastructure
Summary
This act mandates the FAA to revise regulations for pilots and controllers who disclose mental health conditions. It incorporates findings from recent task forces, improves the Special Issuance process, reconsiders safe medication approval, increases AME resources, and funds a public education campaign to reduce stigma.
Key Provisions
- ✔ FAA must revise regulations to support disclosure and help-seeking
- ✔ Annual review of mental health Special Issuance (SI) procedures
- ✔ Funding to recruit and train more HIMS and general AMEs, including psychiatrists
- ✔ Mandates implementation of recommendations from the April 2024 Mental Health ARC
- ✔ Launch of public education campaign to reduce stigma and improve trust
Impact on P4HR Mission
- ✔ Tackles secrecy and fear around mental health disclosure
- ✔ Demands scientific basis for SI evaluations
- ✔ Addresses backlog and lack of psychiatric expertise in AME system
- ✔ Supports cultural shift toward compassion and evidence in FAA policies
Call to Action
P4HR strongly supports H.R. 2591 and urges pilots, families, and allies to push for its passage. The bill opens the door for reform grounded in science, transparency, and human dignity.