Post-Crash Mental Health Deterrents for Indian Pilots

• Post-pandemic awareness of mental health issues among pilots is low.

• Fear of disclosure could affect medical clearance and earning capacity.

• Post-crash trauma and suggestions of deliberate pilot action have highlighted mental health issues.

• Post-crash, many pilots battle PTSD.

• Safety concerns led to cancellations of Air India bookings.

• Air India took a “safety pause” and reduced international flights to focus on mental health.

• Pilots face relentless rosters and layovers, straining personal bonds and fostering isolation.

• Fear of being grounded leads to reluctance to seek help.

• Unpredictable schedules disrupt personal routines, leading to emotional fatigue.

• A 2022 survey found 56.1% of U.S. pilots reported healthcare avoidance behavior.

• Indian pilots face complicated, lengthy, and inefficient regulatory processes.

• The situation is likely to worsen due to stigma and lack of clear guidance from regulator