NTSB Chair on FAA Mental Health Policy: ‘It’s Like Back to the 1950s’

Homendy calls for overhaul of certification process, saying the current system creates a stigma for pilots.

Ryan Ewing

Friday, July 25, 2025 at 10:00 AM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Travis Tingle

NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy joins Oshkosh Live.[FLYING/Kaylee Nix]

Key Takeaways:

NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy is calling for a "complete overhaul" of the FAA's outdated pilot mental health medical certification process, stating it deters pilots from seeking necessary care due to fear of career repercussions.
Homendy supports the recommendations from the FAA's own Aviation Rulemaking Committee on mental health but criticizes the agency for its slow pace, suggesting congressional intervention may be needed to drive meaningful reform.
She highlighted the stigma created by current FAA medical application questions regarding past depression or anxiety, and noted the lack of mental health resources available to general aviation pilots compared to those in major airlines.

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National Transportation Safety Board Chair Jennifer Homendy is urging sweeping reforms to the FAA’s approach to pilot mental health, saying the current system is outdated and deters pilots from seeking care.

Speaking during a live interview at EAA AirVenture on FLYING’s Oshkosh Live show, Homendy said the agency’s medical certification process needs a “complete overhaul,” particularly in how it handles mental health issues.