Podcast: Addressing Mental Health Concerns in Business Aviation, Part 1

May 15, 2023

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and over the next two weeks “NBAA Flight Plan,” in cooperation with “The Pilots Pandemic” podcast, will feature an open and honest discussion about issues related to mental wellness in the business aviation community. While many are reluctant to discuss mental health concerns over fears that seeking help may negatively impact their job – and for pilots, their medical certification –  Emma Laczko, pilot, aeromedical reform advocate and creator of “The Pilots Pandemic” podcast, emphasizes that, above all, “You should be able to get help if, for some reason, you need it. Nobody’s perfect and, unfortunately, we [business aviation professionals] can’t escape the hardships of life.”

In this extended, two-part episode of NBAA’s “Flight Plan,” host Rob Finfrock speaks with:

  • Emma Laczko, pilot, aeromedical reform advocate and creator of “The Pilots Pandemic” podcast
  • Mark Larsen, CAM, NBAA director of safety and flight operations
  • Matthew McNeil, president and clinical director at LiftAffect
  • Madolyn Miller, aeromedical reform advocate and “The Pilots Pandemic” podcast co-host

Podcast Episode
The NBAA Flight Plan podcast, which ran from 2009 to 2025, provided an overview of important developments affecting NBAA members, and the association’s work to advocate for their interest. The archive of past episodes will remain available for your enjoyment. Please note that no new episodes will be released.

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