U.S. Senate Passes Aviation Mental Health Legislation

John A. Hauser Mental Health in Aviation Act and Aviation Medication Transparency Act viewed as ‘long-needed reform.’

Jack Daleo

Friday, September 25, 2026 at 02:00 PM ET

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Edited By:

Travis Tingle

Aviation professionals must disclose medical conditions and medications to the FAA, but many do not for fear of career repercussions. [Credit: iStock]

Key Takeaways:

The U.S. Senate unanimously passed two bipartisan bills, the John A. Hauser Mental Health in Aviation Act (MHAA) and the Aviation Medication Transparency Act (AMTA), to address long-standing issues in aviation.
The MHAA aims to reduce barriers to mental health treatment for pilots and air traffic controllers, accelerate the FAA's medical approval process, and increase funding to combat stigma around seeking mental health care.
The AMTA will mandate the FAA to create and regularly update a comprehensive, clear list of medications safe for aviation professionals, including necessary restrictions, providing clarity currently lacking.
These legislations seek to reform an "archaic and regressive system" by fostering transparency and encouraging aviation professionals to seek necessary medical and mental health support without fear of career repercussions, ultimately enhancing safety.

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The U.S. Senate on Friday unanimously passed two bipartisan bills that aim to address stigmas around mental health in aviation and clarify what medications pilots can take.

The John A. Hauser Mental Health in Aviation Act (MHAA) would reduce barriers to seeking mental health treatment, accelerate the FAA’s medical approval process, increase funding to the Office of Aerospace Medicine, and implement other recommendations from the agency’s Mental Health and Aviation Medical Clearances Aviation Rulemaking Committee (ARC).