Forced Back to Earth

For many aviation professionals, their occupation isn’t just a job—it’s an identity, a calling, a way of life. So when medical grounding or license suspension occurs, even temporarily, it can feel like life has been torn apart The reality of being taken out of the flight deck, control tower or aircraft cabin—whether due to mental health concerns, physical health issues, or regulatory requirements—can lead to a deep sense of loss, fear, and disconnection. While the world continues to turn, those affected may find themselves without routine, professional meaning and work-based social interactions. People in this situation often struggle with anxiety, isolation, and a fear that they may never get back to their much-loved role. Being grounded because of mental health issues creates additional challenges to the grounded professional. While I am writing this in 2025 and things are genuinely improving, pilots in particular can find psychological challenges shameful or embarrassing and there is a tendency talk about why someone has been absent. For the group I know best, pilots, it seems easier to relate tales of shattered bones or heart surgery than treatment for and recovery from mental health issues. Cancer carries a similar taboo. I remember only a few years ago, one of my clients told me this shortly after returning to work. We’d worked together for about four months and they’d been out of the flightdeck for nearly six months. On my first line flight after my return to work training, I met the colleague I was flying with and they asked why they hadn’t seen me for a while. I said I’d been off sick and their instant response was “I hope you weren’t off with depression or something like that ….. that’s not something people should be allowed back to flying from.”! These experiences are not only valid—they are common. And yet, they are rarely spoken about openly. The silence that often surrounds medical grounding can make individuals feel as though they are the only ones going through it, adding to the emotional toll. It's important to know that support is available, and you're not alone. While away from professional roles in aviation, as well as the loos of structure and meaning, there is often an impact on finances, relationships and family dynamics. Not all of that is necessarily damaging (being able to do the school run for a few weeks or join a club for a while might help recovery and add purpose) but it is almost always challenging. The result can be depressive symptoms, disrupted sleep, and increased reliance on unhelpful coping strategies. Financial worries and the uncertainty of future assessments only add to the pressure. For some, this period can feel like limbo, with no clear end in sight. But there are ways to navigate this difficult time with resilience and care. Seeking support from a psychologist who understands aviation culture can be a crucial lifeline. These professionals not only understand the licensing process but also appreciate the pride and pressure tied to aviation roles. Therapy during grounding often focuses on managing anxiety, rebuilding self-worth, and developing a practical plan for staying connected to your professional identity. We might explore ways to maintain your competence and confidence, even if you're not flying—through study, simulation, mentoring, or other meaningful contributions. We also work together to process feelings of loss and uncertainty, helping you find a sense of control and stability even while your future feels unpredictable. Family therapy or couple's sessions can also help those close to you understand what you’re going through, fostering better communication and shared strength. It's also worth considering how to prepare emotionally for a return to the cockpit. This can bring its own unique blend of excitement and fear. Will I still be good enough? Will my colleagues trust me? What if the issue returns? These thoughts are normal, and discussing them openly allows us to work through them in advance, rather than waiting until they bubble over in the air. Psychological readiness is just as important as physical recovery, and taking the time to check in with yourself—and with a professional—can make all the difference in how confidently you return to work. Being grounded is an incredibly challenging experience, but it is also an opportunity for reflection, growth, and renewal. It might not feel like it right now, but with the right support, many aviation professionals emerge from this period with deeper self-awareness and resilience than before. If you or someone you care about is going through this, don’t hesitate to reach out. You don’t have to go through it alone. Here at Oak Tree Psychology, we’re here to walk alongside you until the skies are clear again.