NBAA Experts Explain Why the FAA Is Removing Some Barriers to Pilot Mental Health Treatment

Employees should be free to admit mistakes without fear of reprisal. That concept is the basis of creating a just culture with the potential to improve safety within an aircraft operation.

The FAA has lowered wait times after an individual begins an antidepressant medication or changes, and now must wait only three months or a single, stable dose before completing required testing of the FAA antidepressant protocol.

The Department of Transportation released its 2026 testing rates for safety-sensitive positions covered by mandatory drug and alcohol testing programs, and the rates for 2026 remain unchanged from previous years.