"Antiquated" mental health rules for pilots would be overhauled under house bill

Washignton (CNN) — Members of the U.S. House of Representatives unanimously passed a bill Monday that would force the Federal Aviation Administration to make a sweeping overhaul of what critics call antiquated pilot mental health rules.

The Mental Health in Aviation Act of 2025 is the most significant move yet in ending FAA policies that effectively ban commercial pilots from seeking any mental health - including therapy. The current rules impose “a culture of silence that is affecting safety,” according to National Transportation Safety Board Chair Jennifer Homendy.

Advocates for the bill say the move is a huge step in addressing the long-standing stigma—and lack of support—for the mental health of pilots.

“For so long, people were like, ‘I can never be sad,’” Chris Finlayson, Execu