Understanding United States collegiate flight students’ perceptions and realities of anxiety and depression

Abstract

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requires that all pilots hold a medical certificate granted by an Aviation Medical Examiner (AME), or an equivalent exemption standard. Over the years, these aeromedical examinations have grown to include aspects related to mental health, as well as a number of other factors. There are several mental health related conditions which are of concern to the FAA, including symptoms of anxiety and depression. These and other conditions can be grounds for medical disqualification, or additional testing or requirements. As a result, pilots are often wary of reporting their mental health issues. In recent years, aspects related to mental health and flying have become a topic of conversation at collegiate aviation programs across the country. This study highlights collegiate flight students’ perceptions and realities associated with anxiety and depression. Results of the survey are examined in the context of four research questions, which guided the researcher’s conclusions surrounding mental health within collegiate flight programs. These conclusions centered around the perceived benefit of not disclosing or ignoring mental health related conditions, whether admitting mental health related struggles has a negative impact upon flying careers, what strategies are effective to manage one’s mental health, and whether flight students feel the current aeromedical process should be reviewed for possible revision.