Episode 9 – Grounded: why pilots go radio silent about their mental health, ft. Kora the Aviation Therapist

6M ago 55:29

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How do pilots navigate the landscape of mental wellness?

While pilots suffer the same stresses, setbacks, and issues as the rest of us, they're not comfortable with seeking professional help, because they risk having their wings clipped by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

This leaves them between a rock and a hard place, and as a result, so many suffer in silence.

For Kora Kresin, (BA,MS), that doesn't fly with her.

A licensed therapist, she saw how people within the aviation industry feared losing their pilot's license if they spoke up about their mental health struggles. As a result, she founded Flight Deck Community, a life coaching service that helps aviation professionals learn to identify and address their stressors, as well as things such as psychology, mental health, veterans, family support/reunification, gender specific challenges, and trauma informed care.

Episode Topics

Why Kora became a therapist for pilots
The history and issues with FAA policies on mental health
Challenges faced by pilots and aviation professionals
How the regulations and culture prevent pilots from seeking help
The FAA's policies in theory vs in practise, and upcoming reforms

Resources

Aviation Therapist on Instagram
Flight Deck Community website
Th|air|apy: A peer support network for flight attendants and aviation professionals
Aviation Dietitian Website | Instagram
Pilot Symposium on Mental Health Youtube

Chapters

(0:00) Mic Drop
(1:33) Meet Kora
(8:33) FAA 101
(14:37) Loop-de-Loophole
(22:16) Memes are the gateway drug
(25:56) Men & mental health in aviation industry
(27:16) Fly a mile in their shoes
(34:37) Written in blood
(37:39) Civilian vs Navy pilot care
(38:27) Rebranding mental health support
(41:07) Challenges of treating pilots
(45:00) Somatic symptoms in men
(50:53) "I'm the Home Depot"
(52:34) Resources