On this page: Self-Evaluate | Get Help | Podcast | Resources | Pilots in Action
Something every airline pilot should ask themselves before stepping onto an airline flight deck: “Am I in the green?” The question is a reference to the IMSAFE checklist, a self-assessment tool for pilots to determine physical and mental wellness in preparation for each flight. The six-letter acronym stands for illness, medication, stress, alcohol, fatigue, and emotion.
The last evaluation component, emotion, addresses mental wellbeing, and the colors of the Mental Health Continuum help you gauge the state of your mental health based on your attitude, behavior, and adherence to certain social norms.
Self-evaluation is critical. So . . . Are you in the green? If the answer is “no,” ALPA’s Pilot Peer Support (PPS) program is available if and when you need help.
Regulators in the United States and Canada are taking a more progressive and transparent approach to mental health issues in aviation and recognize that, in many cases, the key to recovery is early intervention through peer programs like PPS.
What Is PPS?
PPS is a network of pilot volunteers who help fellow ALPA members deal with stress from any source—financial concerns, family or relationship problems, or any other work or personal issues. PPS volunteers are available to listen and offer confidential, nonjudgmental support to ALPA members in the United States and Canada.
We are available for ALPA members 24/7/365.
If you are not an ALPA member, but you need help or to simply talk with someone:
National Hotline for Mental Health Crises & Suicide Prevention: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
Samaritans: Call or Text 877-870-HOPE (4673)
Crisis Text Line: Text “HOME” to 741741
Friendship Line: 800-971-0016
Veterans Crisis Line: 800-273-8255 (press 1) or Text 838255
National Youth Crisis Hotline: Call 800-852-8336 (6 p.m.–10 p.m. PST)
Canadian Suicide Crisis Helpline: Call 9-8-8
Episode 1: What Does Being in the Green Mean?
Episode 2: Strategies for Staying Mentally Fit for Duty
Episode 3: Pilot Peer Support in Action
Episode 4: The FAA’s Mental Health and Aviation Medical Clearances ARC
Stress is a normal reaction during a difficult time.
Talk early, talk often.
Take a deep dive into related topics:
- Pilot Peer Support: Addressing Member Health, Wellness with a New Resource (ALP, 0818)
- Pilot Peer Support Launches (ALP, 1218)
- Identifying Stress
- ALPA Mental Health Wellness video
- ALPA Pilot Assistance TriFold Brochure
- ALPA Press Release #24.06: ALPA Commends FAA Mental Health Rulemaking Committee Recommendations
- Multi-Source Stress Assessments
- Professional Quality of Life Scale with Self-Scoring
- FAA: Pilot Mental Fitness
- Pilot Minute: What Should I Do if I Have Depression or Anxiety? (FAA video)
- Transport Canada: Medical Fitness for Aviation
- Psychology Today: Pilots Need Mental Health Care Too
- Scientific America: We Need to Change the System That Keeps Pilots from Seeking Mental Health Care
Nearly 50 PSA LEC #70 members and ALPA President Jason Ambrosi attend a May 21 Pilot Unity Building event at a Washington Nationals baseball game to promote ALPA's "Are You in the Green?" campaign.
- F/O Chris Arnold (United Airlines), Vice Chair, ALPA ASO Pilot Assistance
- F/O Carrie Braun (JetBlue), Chair, ALPA Pilot Peer Support
- F/O Marion “Sonny” Ruff (United Airlines), Vice Chair, ALPA Pilot Peer Support
- Candace Kolander, Pilot Assistance and Occupational Safety Specialist, ALPA Engineering & Air Safety Department
ALPA members interested in volunteering for PPS should review the ASO’s training schedule or contact EAS@alpa.org to find out more.