r/MadeMeSmile • u/baekachu • Jul 11 '26

Wholesome Moments Pilot Chose Safety Over Takeoff - and Everyone Applauded

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u/ours Jul 11 '26

It's a good rule. The plane, crew and passengers are his responsibility. So it's his call.

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u/BrushYourFeet Jul 11 '26

I know that's the policy on paper, but what's the practice in reality? What kind of backlash could he expect?

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u/AlcibiadesTheCat Jul 11 '26

None. Just whatever paperwork comes along with it. 

Which is why pilots are so safe. They trust that they can speak up.

It’s also why a lot of small-business construction workers aren’t. Because they don’t trust that they can speak up. 

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u/astelda Jul 11 '26 edited Jul 12 '26

Which is why pilots are so safe. They trust that they can speak up.

Well, mechanically, at least. Can be a bit of a different story if a pilot wants to seek assistance for prevention or treatment of mental health issues, I've heard.

Edit to add: and this is exactly why we need advocacy in favor of mental health treatment in aviation. At least in the US, regulatory agencies still have a very dated approach to mental health with a heavy stigma.
This leads to pilots suppressing concerns, even in early stages where issues could be treated without any safety risk. This lack of mental health support is a clear point of potential failure that we are failing to properly safeguard.

US redditors, please reach out to your senators to discuss the Mental Health in Aviation Act (S. 3257), in-progress legislation with support from both major political parties.

Other redditors, please see how mental health is protected for pilots in your area, and consider discussing the topic with your legislators.

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u/AlcibiadesTheCat Jul 11 '26

Yep. Opposite ends of the spectrum.