Dr. Susan Northrup: Silence Speaks Volumes
For the past seven weeks, Pilots for HIMS Reform has made repeated attempts to engage Dr. Susan Northrup, the Federal Air Surgeon, in a direct conversation about the ongoing harm being done to pilots, air traffic controllers, and their families by the FAA’s current HIMS program.
Early on, we proposed specific meeting times — all clearly stated in Eastern Time — knowing Dr. Northrup is based in Washington, D.C. Instead of confirming a meeting, her office asked what time zone we were in, a delay tactic that bought more time but led nowhere. We clarified, waited, and still received no commitment.
On multiple occasions, Dr. Northrup’s office said they were “working to move her calendar around” to accommodate a meeting. But no time was ever nailed down. One reason after another came and went — and our calls for a meeting went unanswered.
Finally, last week, we opened the door completely: we offered any date and time of her choosing across the entire months of October and November. And what did we hear back?
Crickets.
This is no longer a scheduling delay. It is an official snub. The silence we are met with is a clear signal that those charged with safeguarding aviation medical oversight have no interest in hearing from the people actually living through the consequences of their policies.
This is what we are up against. Bureaucratic apathy is not just frustrating — it is dangerous. Pilots’ careers and families are being dismantled while those in authority choose not to engage.
The Time to Act Is Now
We cannot sit back and wait for change. We need every subscriber, every advocate, and every ally to take action:
- Join P4HR as a member — stand with us as we fight for reform.
- Donate if you are able — your contributions power this movement.
- Connect with us so we can set up meetings with your Congressional representatives and take you — their constituents — into their offices to share what’s really happening.
The system will not fix itself. We must be the ones to demand accountability and real reform. Your voice matters — let’s use it together.