The Neglected Crisis: Pilot Mental Health / Mental Wellbeing Support in Aviation
A Wake-Up Call Ignored that despite the creation of ARC it fails to be useful for Pilots
The 2015 German Wings tragedy served as a stark reminder of the critical importance of pilot mental health (or is it Mental Wellbeing?). Despite this, the aviation industry's response appears to fall short of expectations.
Are Airlines Shirking Their Responsibility?
In 2015, the Aviation Rulemaking Committee (ARC) recommended implementing robust support systems for pilots, including peer-based programs. However, evidence suggests that major carriers like #FedEx may not be fully adhering to these guidelines. This raises serious questions:
1. Where are the comprehensive mental health support programs for pilots?
2. What systems are in place to monitor and support pilot wellbeing?
3. What is the difference?
The Alarming Reality
Does this court case show a concerning lack of implementation of ARC directives. Or are the directives poorly designed? FedEx, was quick to use the German Wings to support their actions
Critical Oversights
Union Silence
- Why aren't pilot unions more vocal about these issues?
- We know fear of retaliation prevent pilots from speaking out, inadvertently enabling managerial overreach?
Corporate Accountability
- Why isn't there more focus on individual accountability within airline leadership?
- Shouldn't CEOs and board members be held responsible for failures to implement safety recommendations? Why are they not daily in Court accounting for their actions?
A Case Study in Workplace Toxicity
This situation exemplifies workplace bullying and constructive dismissal which experts like Clive Roland Boddy we have been in talking with has highlighted in his work. We must consider:
- Is this a systemic issue in the aviation industry?
- Are these problems exacerbated by leadership with concerning personality traits?
A Call for Change
It's time for concrete action:
1. Demand Union Action: Pilot unions must take a more proactive stance to support pilots
2. Increase Corporate Accountability: Hold specific executives and board members responsible for safety oversights.
3. ARC Recommendations: Revisit ARC why current guidelines are ineffective
4. Whistleblowing: Legislation is still too weak unable to support the whistle blower
Pilot Mental Wellbeing, not just as a matter of employee care, but a critical component of public safety. We need multitiered solution work to ensure that the skies are safe for everyone.
A solution as foundation exist to serve for both Corporate Leaders and Pilots but both reject unwilling to listen despite both parties equally at risk and operating in a highly compromised state.
Perplexity AI Summary of ARC https://lnkd.in/d_n9_rXm
For those who are curious how to build that foundation to change feel free reach out for a chat info@humanixs.com
If you're interested in aviation safety, this is a must watch. FedEx is using the same mental health tactic that Delta Air Lines No pilot should be faced to defend their #MentalHealth because they report safety. #Aviation#Safety
Attention fleet managers, safety professionals, and drivers! 🚨
California troopers are now using aircraft to monitor and catch speeding semi-trucks. This new method was used in an enforcement blitz on SR-99 in the days behind us.
Make sure your teams are aware of these new monitoring tactics to avoid fines and ensure compliance. Aircraft enforcement can catch speed violations that might go unnoticed, so it's important to follow speed limits closely.
#maybachglobal#truckingupdates#industryupdates#truckingcompany
A (very) initial report into the runway incursion near miss between a FedEx and SWA as KAUS/Austin has been released. It lays a lot of the responsibility on loss of situational awareness, unshared mental models and expectation bias of the controllers.
But what can we all - pilots, ATCOs and any other safety critical role learn from this right now?
#aviationsafety#flightsafety#stoprunwayincursions#flightoperations#ntsbhttps://lnkd.in/ePXwm4gu
Hear directly from the two FedEx Pilots who averted a catastrophe on Feb. 4, 2023, as they share their firsthand account of the critical role of having at least two pilots on the flight deck for every commercial airliner flight. #ALPAASF#SafetyStartsWith2#ICYMI
Hear directly from the two FedEx Pilots who averted a catastrophe on Feb. 4, 2023, as they share their firsthand account of the critical role of having at least two pilots on the flight deck for every commercial airliner flight. #ALPAASF#SafetyStartsWith2#ICYMI
BREAKING:
Per a memo obtained by ACN, FedEx is:
- Overstaffed by 500 more pilots than previously reported.
- Anticipating a 60% reduction in daytime flying hours.
- Anticipating 55% fewer cities served by aircraft on the dayside.
- Bid Line Guarantees (BLG) will drop significantly in October.
- Pilot hiring will be suspended for the foreseeable future.
Source: Memo by VP of Flight Operations and Network Planning.
In a speech at the Cargo Symposium today, our president Capt. Jason Ambrosi discussed current industry-led efforts to eliminate pilots from the flight deck, calling it the “single-greatest existential threat” to the piloting profession. He made it clear that the effort would eventually expand beyond all-cargo operations to include passenger flights as well.
“I believe that this issue is the single greatest threat to aviation safety. This is about removing pilots—all of us—from the flight deck over time,” said Capt. Ambrosi, “Reduced-crew operations is a tipping point—for our profession and the safety of our skies. And it’s not happening a decade from now, it’s happening right now. The scale of this threat should make everyone in this room sit up and take notice—and want to fight back, which is exactly what ALPA is doing.”
The Cargo Symposium, being held this week at our FedEx Pilots' offices in Memphis, is bringing together pilot representatives and industry stakeholders for in-depth discussions about the current economic climate for cargo operators, as well as threats and challenges across the industry. Read more about Capt. Ambrosi's opening remarks: https://lnkd.in/gZv-_qYD
Stay tuned for continuing coverage of this premier all-cargo conference.
#ALPACargo#Aviation#AviationNews#Pilots#AviationSecurity
On May 8th, a FedEx Boeing 767 faced an emergency landing in Istanbul Airport due to a front landing gear failure. Learn more about the incident and how the skilled pilots safely navigated the situation.
Read more on Simple Flying: https://lnkd.in/ehhN4nQz
Pilot/Award Winning Author/Speaker/STEM Education Advocate
2moCould we have some context please.