Archive · 3 Dec 2025
Pilots Hide Mental Health Struggles to Keep Flying
Many airline pilots are afraid to talk about their mental health problems.
They worry that if they ask for help, they might lose their jobs.
This is because pilots have to pass strict health checks to fly.
If they say they have depression or anxiety, they might be grounded for a long time.
Some pilots even have to wait a year to find out if they can fly again.
This makes it hard for them to get the help they need.
Some pilots and their families are trying to change these rules so that pilots can get help without losing their jobs.
They want pilots to be healthy and safe in the cockpit.
Brian Wittke, a Delta Air Lines pilot, died by suicide in June 2022 after struggling with depression and fearing he would lose his license if he sought help.
Many commercial airline pilots hide mental health conditions due to fear of being grounded and undergoing lengthy, costly medical reviews.
Pilots must meet rigorous physical and psychological criteria to maintain their FAA medical certification, which can be revoked if they report mental health issues.
The FAA and airlines are working to improve mental health support for pilots, but stigma and strict regulations remain significant barriers.
Pilot unions and advocacy groups are pushing for reforms to protect pilots who disclose mental health issues and speed up their return to duty.
- Who
- Brian Wittke, a 41-year-old Delta Air Lines pilot, and other commercial airline pilots
- What
- Pilots are hiding mental health struggles due to fear of losing their licenses and livelihoods
- When
- The issue has been ongoing, with recent focus after Wittke's death on June 14, 2022
- Where
- United States and other countries, with specific mention of Utah, Salt Lake City, and global aviation industry
- Why
- Pilots fear that disclosing mental health issues could lead to grounding, lengthy medical reviews, and potential loss of their careers
- Pilot's Name
- Brian Wittke
- Age
- 41
- Airline
- Delta Air Lines
- Date of Incident
- June 14, 2022
- Location of Incident
- Utah mountains near Salt Lake City
- Number of Pilots Interviewed
- 24
- FAA Medical Certification Requirement
- Rigorous physical and psychological criteria
- Typical FAA Review Time for Severe Conditions
- Up to a year or more