Aircrew- Need your knowledge and experiences
I am an aircrew veteran, got out of the USAF in 2021. I am currently in school and chose my finals papers thesis to be "Should aviators have access to MH resources without risking their flight status?"
When I was in, your flight status would immediately be pulled for any sort of mental health issue. Big or small. Starting my research, I saw that the military established the MH and Aviation Medical Clearances Aviation Rulemaking Committee (ARC), which implies you get 60 days for treatment before flight privileges are revoked. I am a little bit.... suspicious.
Question for you: Is this actually enforced? What is the catch? Is it one of those waivers you need that are actually impossible to get? Do you now feel comfortable receiving MH treatment? Any input, information, sourcing, would be much appreciated. I feel like the ARC guidelines are a little too good to be true. This is a big paper and something I am very passionate about after my own experiences.
Posted Apr 23, 2026, 1:20 AM UTC