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PMHC Makes Debut at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh Days Before First Anniversary

PMHC celebrates its ongoing efforts to lead federal pilot mental health reform at the largest airshow in the world

 

Oshkosh, WI—Representatives from The Pilot Mental Health Campaign (PMHC), a national coalition of aviators, legal experts, and mental health professionals, gathered this week in Wisconsin to share their experiences surrounding mental health regulations with fellow aviators and advocates at the world’s largest airshow. EAA AirVenture Oshkosh attracts over 600,000 attendees and 10,000 airplanes each year.

While ongoing federal efforts push to add clarity around acceptable prescriptions for aviators and clearance timelines for returning to work after receiving care, mental health advocates and pilots remain concerned. Vague language about the implementation of recommendations issued by the FAA’s Mental Health & Aviation Medical Clearances Aviation Rulemaking Committee (ARC), could delay the timely advancement of crucial reforms. Part of PMCH’s effort at Oshkosh is working to spread awareness of the current state of federal reform with aviators who may be seeking support while they wait for clearance.

Brian Bomhoff, Executive Director for PMHC and AirVenture Oshkosh attendee, remarked, “This is PMHC’s first time exhibiting at AirVenture and we could not be more thrilled with our time here. The number of pilots, family members, and healthcare practitioners who have approached our volunteers is unlike anything we’ve experienced at any event. Not only that, the quality and diversity of these conversations has exceeded our expectations. It’s clearer than ever—the aviation community has had enough of seeing their friends and family suffer in silence, it’s time for change.”

In addition to running a booth at Oshkosh for interested aviators and community members, PMHC hosted panels focused on mental health efforts and navigating current FAA regulations on Friday and Saturday of the week-long event. Friday’s panel, Pilot Mental Health Advocacy 101, featured remarks from First Officer for US-Based 121 Carrier Fareed Guyot, Internal Medicine Physician with Northwestern Medicine Dr. Anne Suh-Hauser, Pilot and U.S. Army Veteran Eric Vetro, and Horizon Flight Attendant Stephanie Day. Tomorrow, PMHC will host Advocating for Aeromedical Reform from 11:30 AM – 12:45 PM CDT at Oshkosh Forum Stage 10. The event will feature Mental Health/AODA Supervisor and PMHC member Kimberly Williams-Nyberg.

 

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For more information or interview requests, contact:
Megan Simmons, Desimone Consulting Group, [email protected]

About PMHC

The Pilot Mental Health Campaign (PMHC) is the first and only advocacy organization dedicated exclusively to reforming the broken American aeromedical system and building a safe, effective, and modern system that supports the mental health and wellbeing of American pilots. Established by aviators, legal experts, and mental health professionals, PMHC collaborates with industry stakeholders, mental health experts, and policymakers to drive change. For more information, visit www.pmhc.org.

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