University of North Dakota Was a Driving Force Behind Federal Legislation

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(KNOX) – Senators John Hoeven R-ND and Tammy Duckworth D-IL, introduced the Mental Health in Aviation Act, bipartisan legislation to modernize the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) approach to mental health and medical certification.

The Mental Health in Aviation Act improves aviation safety by encouraging both pilots and air traffic controllers to seek mental health care, when needed, while reducing the stigma associated with mental health and the potential impact on a pilot’s career. Under current FAA regulations, pilots and air traffic controllers are required to obtain and maintain an FAA Medical Certification, which requires the disclosure of medical treatment, including for mental and behavioral health treatment.

The University of North Dakota Aerospace Department was a driving force behind the legislation.

Associate Dean of the UND College of Aerospace, Elizabeth Bjerke said that the university had a major interest in the legislation.

“The University of North Dakota has a significant stake in the Mental Health in Aviation Act because this legislation will directly align with our ongoing initiatives to improve mental health support for aviation professionals,” Bjerke said.

The legislation builds upon efforts taken at the University of North Dakota after an aviation student at the university took his own life in an aircraft in October 2021.