Most peer support models are aimed at debriefing and support after a after critical incidents and or trauma but very few are pro-active and preventative.
As you’re likely aware, several high-profile accidents related to pilot mental health have made headlines in recent years. The typical response has been to implement new policies and procedures, often bypassing the deeper issue: the lack of accessible, quality mental health care in aviation. Encouragingly, the FAA’s Aviation Medical Clearances Rulemaking Committee has submitted a comprehensive 69-page report, with its primary recommendation focused on alleviating pilots’ fear of losing their certifications simply for seeking treatment for common mental health issues such as stress, seasonal depression, or family struggles.
The committee also notes that the FAA, like Transport Canada, assumes individuals seeking non-pharmacological mental health support might be unfit to fly. However, they emphasize that not only is there little evidence to support this assumption, but there is also substantial evidence to the contrary. Notably, the committee has proposed allowing pilots to engage in “talk therapy” without being required to disclose it in their flight medical records.

Highly specialized professionals, such as first responders and military personnel, often have access to therapists or support specialists who come from the same domain. This model works because workers in specialized fields respect and trust those who share their experiences and understand the unique challenges of their profession. This credibility enhances the professional relationship and encourages meaningful engagement with the support being offered.

As someone with 30 years of experience in Canadian aviation, my goal is to extend this model to aviation professionals. Confidentiality remains the cornerstone of any client-therapist relationship, but for aviation crews, it carries particular significance—allowing them to seek support outside of aviation medical frameworks while systemic improvements are being made.
With the advent of advanced communication technologies like Starlink and other remote broadband systems, I’m now able to connect with more crews in remote locations than ever before. This has enabled me to develop a growing roster of individuals regularly checking in from camp locations, providing them with accessible, tailored support no matter where they are.
