A retired pilot and contractor for the Teamsters Airline Division, Roy Liggett, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the work his company, Aviation Operations Solutions, does to assist in the mental health and well-being of members of the Teamsters Airline Division.
The Teamsters Airline Division covers about 80,000 members, from pilots to mechanics and everything in between. Liggett began flying in 1957 and worked his way up from the bottom to retire as the Chief Pilot in Washington, D.C., in 2000. He began working as an independent contractor with the Teamsters Airline Division, where he heads the Drug and Alcohol Abuse program, teaches professional standards for pilots and the critical incident response program.
The Aviation industry mirrors the general population for mental health problems with depression being the leading issue. The lifestyle of pilots lends itself to problems with depression and mental health. The constant time away from home and staying in different places every night are significant triggers for pilots, Liggett said. While every major airline has a mental health program, they don’t treat the problems of the pilots.
Liggett talked about the issues facing many pilots and why they don’t seek help. If they were to go to any doctor, there’s a possibility that the Federal Aviation Administration would pull the license. Liggett’s program helps pilots, and the rest of the airline division find the help they need without risking being stripped of being a pilot. There are still restrictions on the ability to be air-worthy, but with the Teamsters’ help, members can get the assistance they need to get better.
To hear more about Liggett’s work with the Teamsters, please press play above.