Title:
ASCEND 2026 - Pilot Mental Health 2026
Topic:
Understanding Recent Changes in Pilot Mental Health Guidance
Speaker(s):
Dr. Tony Reed
Brief Description:
Conversation about mental health is on the rise, and those in aviation search for more information. One issue is balancing the rigors of flight training and the stress of being a pilot with the risk of losing your license because of a single diagnosis. In this discussion, we will explore the balance and identify ways to keep yourself and your students safe while minimizing the risk to your license to fly. Audience members will learn where to find guidance on the FAA’s rules on mental health diagnosis, how to help their clinical provider help keep them safe, and ways that public awareness and FAA modernization have helped balance the safety of the airways while keeping pilots on the job.
Select Number:
EA13146347
Location of Seminar:
Crowne Plaza Dallas Market Center
7050 N Stemmons Freeway
Dallas, TX 75247
Directions to Venue:
Follow the signs to the ASCEND Flight Training Summit meeting rooms
View Map
Seating:
Check Additional event Information below for possible registration requirements.
Sponsoring Division:
FAASTeam
Additional Event Information & Acknowledgement of Industry Sponsor(s):
Dr. Reed is a sports physician and aviation medical examiner practicing in Vineland, NJ. He has spent over 20 years teaching athletes, pilots, and earth-bound people about healthy lifestyles, wellness, and ways to improve fitness. Most recently, he has written and spoken about the role companion animals play in facilitating our healthy lifestyles. Tony is active in mental health and wellness initiatives impacting pilots, student-athletes, and healthcare professionals. He has worked at multiple universities developing health and wellness programs while coaching and educating his patients and peers on preserving performance throughout life. Dr. Reed has also researched the characteristics of a team leader and the impact the leader has on their team’s performance. Tony is married with three boys, keeps pet goats, flies animal relief missions, and owns a Cessna 182S – which he will happily talk about with anyone, whether they ask or not.
This presentation is offered during the 2026 ASCEND Flight Training Summit.
No fee for the presentations, but there is an admission charge for ASCEND. Visit Ascend Flight Training Summit - Pilot Education & Careers for information and conference registration information.
FAA WINGS preregistration is not required for activities offered during ASCEND.
ASCEND Flight Training Summit is co-hosted by the National Association of Flight Instructors (NAFI) and AeroSummit.
Equal Access Information:
The FAA Safety Team (FAASTeam) is committed to providing equal access to this meeting/event for all participants. If you need alternative formats or services because of a disability, please communicate your request as soon as possible with the person in the “Contact Information” area of the meeting/event notice. Note that two weeks is usually required to arrange services.
Credit Applicability:
1 Credit for Master Knowledge Topic 2
FAASTeam Project Information:
National Project:
Any other Operations task not covered in the NPP
Additional Event Documents: