Mental Health and Reporting

The FAA Workaround

The challenge any aviator faces is being flagged with a mental illness if they seek counselling or a psychiatrist to work out personal issues. Far too many lives are lost because something that started out small, grew until the person saw no way out because they did not get help. In the post Delta Pilot Suicides, I have no doubt that if Brian had received the help he needed, without fear of reporting to the FAA, that he would still be with us today. So how do we navigate mental health help and subsequent reporting without the fear of risking our license?

Today I am going to tell you how to "workaround" the FAA's archaic regulation of reporting a counselling sessions, in order to get the help you need, without labeling yourself with a mental disorder at any level. No risk reporting.

Do not be concerned with my term "workaround" because I was told by an FAA investigator, after they researched an airline's duty time violations, that they [FAA] knew that placing pilots on duty for 25 hours was wrong; but they concluded it was not a violation because it was  a "workaround". When asked why the same airline received a violation of order in 2016 for the exact same thing, but not today, the investigator said, "I don't know. The report is missing." I told him he should probably look in Steve Dickson's desk. 

Despite missing reports and the FAA looking the other way on behalf of an airline, the agency has acknowledged that a workaround is not a violation. What I'm about to convey is not a workaround to the extent of a Federal Violation, as with an airline violating duty time. But, it is a way that you can get professional help, have someone to talk to, and report it on your 8500 document without fear of mental health being attached to the visit. 

Integrative Medicine

If you would like to talk to a professional, that won't send up a red flag, schedule an appointment with an Integrative Medicine Doctor. These doctors are not counselors and not psychiatrists. An Integrative Doctor is an MD who can help you with life. 

Integrative medicine is an evidence-based approach to improve your health and wellness through physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual impact on your health. These doctors are an excellent source to help anyone deal with life issues. I met with an integrative medical doctor at the Mayo Clinic, and learned so much. The fact that the Mayo Clinic uses this approach indicates the validity of this type of medicine. Insurance also pays for the session. So... how do you report this "non-counselling" medical session? 

This is how I would recommend reporting your visit: 

Example: 

Jon C Tilburt, M.D. 

Division of Integrative Medicine in Scottsdale, Arizona

Mayo Clinic

Reason: Overall health and wellness 

Seeing an MD for your overall health and wellness does not raise any red flags to your mental health. This might be the best option until the FAA changes this mental health requirement and stigma regarding counselors. Stress impacts the immune system, mental health is directly related to our physical health, and your overall well being is the key to life. We want our pilots healthy. This might be an option. I most definitely recommend it. I also recommend Dr. Tilburt if you have an opportunity to visit the Mayo Clinic. 

Enjoy the Journey!

XOX Karlene