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).
The MHAA aims to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health in aviation, expedite the FAA's medical approval process for mental health conditions, and increase funding for related support and awareness campaigns.
The AMTA seeks to establish a clear, comprehensive FAA list of medications safe for aviation professionals, along with guidance on associated duty limitations, to improve transparency and safety.
These bills are widely supported by aviation associations, aiming to reform an "archaic" system that has historically deterred pilots and air traffic controllers from seeking necessary mental health care due to fear of career repercussions.

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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).