Whether you’re a pilot, maintainer or flight attendant, if you have a problem with a procedure or situation, you likely know where to turn for a solution
Yet when it comes to managing the personal stresses and anxieties of everyday life, there is no equivalent to an operating handbook or instruction manual. You’re left to go solo, and that’s not a good solution
“Business aviation pilots face the same life stresses as everyone else, but based on what we’ve seen from airline pilots, the two biggest are long periods away from family and anxiety about training events,” explained Dr. Quay Snyder, president and CEO of Aviation Medicine Advisory Services. “Another stress inducer is inconsistent scheduling, which leads to fatigue. That’s often overlooked.”
For years, ask, don’t tell” approach to mental wellness, concerned that mentioning stress or anxiety could jeopardize their medical certification
“Fear is one of the biggest barriers to asking for help,” said Peter Whitten, director at OdiliaClark. “Until recently, ation might damage their careers, so they’d often wait until their situation became much worse.”
Changing the Culture
Earlier this year, the FAA updated its aeromedical policy. Rather than viewing participation in counseling or psychotherapy as a potential red flag, the revised guidance explicitly encourages aerapy and peer-support programs
NBAA also announced a partnership with MedAire to provide MedAire Wellbeing Services, enabling members to access confidential peer support through MedAire’s peer support partner, OdiliaClark, and its Talk to a Peer program
“Airlines have been successfully using in-house peer support for years, but with so many flight departments having only two pilots and one airplane, it can be hard for many of our members to find someone to talk to,” Mark Larsen, CAM, and NBAA director of safety and flight operations, said. “We took the approach to create a peer support program, and working with our partners MedAire and OdiliaClark, we have ensured it meets the unique needs of business aviation operations.”
“Recognizing when you need to talk to someone is no different than recognizing when an aircraft needs maintenance – addressing small issues early prevents much bigger problems later.”
Peter Whitten Director, OdiliaClark
Talk to a Peer creates a judgment-free environment where pilots and other business and the challenges they face
Whitten said people often aren’t looking for someone to solve their problems. They simply need someone who understands business ang
“Most importantly, seeking support should not be seen as a sign of weakness, but of strong professionalism,” he continued. “Recognizing when you need to talk to someone is no different than recognizing when an aircraft needs maintenance – addressing small issues early prevents much bigger problems later.”
Making First Contact
Whitten said the hardest part can be making that initial contact with a peer professional
“Once that step has been taken, it becomes a conversation between two business aen be sure what the problem is,” he continued. “So many people begin by thinking they’re worried about one thing, only to realize the real cause of their stress or anxiety is something quite different. That’s the value of talking to someone.”
Taking even that first step can be difficult for a
“I think pilots, in particular, have the personality of being 100% in the top 10% of all performers,” Snyder said. “Our personality is that we are independent problem solvers who accomplish things. Asking for help is the antithesis of our core personality traits.”
Snyder said support can come through both formal programs staffed by trained peers and trusted “informal peers” who understand the same professional challenges
“The informal types are usually people you work with who routinely deal with the same business and professional issues you are dealing with,” Snyder added. “Sometimes just a private chat can take a lot of the weight off your shoulders.”
Building Awareness
Snyder and Whitten stressed that educating business ay and available NBAA re
“We are working hard to let our members know about the Talk to a Peer program and how it’s structured,” Larsen said. “For example, at the upcoming NBAA Business A, we will have a session focused on mental wellness and the various peer support programs available to the business a
“This is just one of the tools we are creating,” said Laila Stein, NBAA flight operations specialist. “We are committed to approaching all aspects of mental wellness support holistically. Peer support is an essential component of how we can best meet the needs of business a
NBAA is also collaborating with committees and working groups to develop a sustainable approach to future mental wellness needs while educating members about re
The industry, Whitten said, “must normalize the need to not only seek help, but in the context of a pilot’s or maintainer’s personality, to realize that it’s not admitting a failure, but taking steps to optimize someone’s personal performance. ‘I can be a better, safer professional if I take care of this stuff now.’”
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