The Pilot-Patient and Mental Health

The recent crash of an airliner in the French Alps drew attention to the critical importance of the mental health of pilots and the key role physicians play in determining whether a pilot is fit to fly. This article reviews Federal Aviation Administration regulations and guidelines for making that determination and discusses the role of both the aviation medical examiner and the community physician in caring for pilots. It also offers community physicians tips for building solid relationships with pilot-patients so as to ensure they receive the best care possible.