#261 “It’s a Guessing Game”: FAA Medication Confusion & the Mental Health in Aviation Act
Tue Jan 06 2026
On this episode of The Difference Makers Podcast, Dr. Joseph Ramos and Director of Aviation Joseph LoRusso sit down with Austin O’Boyle, VP of Advocacy at Aristotle International and a key leader behind the Pilot Mental Health Campaign (PMHC), to break down the real-world impact of FAA mental health policy and the path forward through the Mental Health in Aviation Act.We discuss why pilots and air traffic controllers often feel forced to “white-knuckle” depression, anxiety, PTSD, and major life stressors out of fear of losing their medical certificate, and how that fear creates both personal harm and aviation safety risks.Austin walks us through the Mental Health in Aviation Act: where it stands after clearing the House, what’s happening in the Senate, why this bill is moving at an unprecedented pace, and what still needs to happen before it reaches the President’s desk.We also dig into the Aviation Medication Transparency Act because right now, pilots are navigating a system where even physicians struggle to confirm what medications are FAA-approved. (Yes—pilots have literally called from pre-op with an anesthesiologist on the line asking if a medication is allowed.)In this episode, we cover:- Why FAA mental health policy discourages pilots from seeking care- The “mental health vs public safety” misconception—and how it’s addressed- How the Mental Health in Aviation Act moves through Congress- House vs Senate differences and what happens next- Unanimous consent vs floor vote explained- VA record-sharing issues impacting veteran pilots- Why medication transparency is currently a “guessing game”- How pilots, families, unions, and aviation groups can help right now- PMHC’s DC advocacy efforts and why constituent stories matterHelpful links:- Pilot Mental Health Campaign (PMHC): https://www.pmhc.org/about_pmhc- Mental Health in Aviation Act overview: https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/2591/text- Ramos Aviation Law: https://www.ramoslaw.com/aviation-law/👨✈️ Led by aviation attorney & active pilot Joseph LoRusso, we represent clients in FAA investigations, medical certification issues, crash litigation, pilot certificate actions, compliance questions, and more.📘 What we handle:• FAA Medical Denials & Special Issuances• Pilot Certificate Defense• FAA Administrative Actions• NTSB Appeals• Civil Penalties• FAA DUI Reporting• Aviation accidents & incidents⚖️ Whether you’re dealing with a medical issue, facing FAA scrutiny, or just need clarity on the regulations, our aviation law team is here to help.📞 Learn more or request an evaluation:https://www.ramoslaw.com/aviation-law/📲 Follow Us for More Aviation Updates:Instagram: @ramosaviationlawFacebook: @ramosaviationlawLinkedIn: Ramos LawTikTok: @ramoslawfirm🔔 Subscribe for weekly FAA insights, pilot medical guidance & aviation law updates.
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On this episode of The Difference Makers Podcast, Dr. Joseph Ramos and Director of Aviation Joseph LoRusso sit down with Austin O’Boyle, VP of Advocacy at Aristotle International and a key leader behind the Pilot Mental Health Campaign (PMHC), to break down the real-world impact of FAA mental health policy and the path forward through the Mental Health in Aviation Act.We discuss why pilots and air traffic controllers often feel forced to “white-knuckle” depression, anxiety, PTSD, and major life stressors out of fear of losing their medical certificate, and how that fear creates both personal harm and aviation safety risks.Austin walks us through the Mental Health in Aviation Act: where it stands after clearing the House, what’s happening in the Senate, why this bill is moving at an unprecedented pace, and what still needs to happen before it reaches the President’s desk.We also dig into the Aviation Medication Transparency Act because right now, pilots are navigating a system where even physicians struggle to confirm what medications are FAA-approved. (Yes—pilots have literally called from pre-op with an anesthesiologist on the line asking if a medication is allowed.)In this episode, we cover:- Why FAA mental health policy discourages pilots from seeking care- The “mental health vs public safety” misconception—and how it’s addressed- How the Mental Health in Aviation Act moves through Congress- House vs Senate differences and what happens next- Unanimous consent vs floor vote explained- VA record-sharing issues impacting veteran pilots- Why medication transparency is currently a “guessing game”- How pilots, families, unions, and aviation groups can help right now- PMHC’s DC advocacy efforts and why constituent stories matterHelpful links:- Pilot Mental Health Campaign (PMHC): https://www.pmhc.org/about_pmhc- Mental Health in Aviation Act overview: https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/2591/text- Ramos Aviation Law: https://www.ramoslaw.com/aviation-law/👨✈️ Led by aviation attorney & active pilot Joseph LoRusso, we represent clients in FAA investigations, medical certification issues, crash litigation, pilot certificate actions, compliance questions, and more.📘 What we handle:• FAA Medical Denials & Special Issuances• Pilot Certificate Defense• FAA Administrative Actions• NTSB Appeals• Civil Penalties• FAA DUI Reporting• Aviation accidents & incidents⚖️ Whether you’re dealing with a medical issue, facing FAA scrutiny, or just need clarity on the regulations, our aviation law team is here to help.📞 Learn more or request an evaluation:https://www.ramoslaw.com/aviation-law/📲 Follow Us for More Aviation Updates:Instagram: @ramosaviationlawFacebook: @ramosaviationlawLinkedIn: Ramos LawTikTok: @ramoslawfirm🔔 Subscribe for weekly FAA insights, pilot medical guidance & aviation law updates.