June 30, 2025
When people think about aviation safety, they often think of rules, regulations, and technical procedures — not mental health.
But the reality is that Aircraft Maintenance Technicians and Engineers (AMTs/AMEs) — along with other skilled tradespeople — work under immense pressure. These professionals play a critical role in ensuring that every aircraft in the sky operates safely. They’re responsible for maintaining, inspecting, and repairing aircraft to meet the rigorous standards required for airworthiness flight.
Every task — whether it’s a routine inspection or a complex repair — must be executed with precision and a sound mind. That level of responsibility requires not only technical skill and acquired experience but also strong mental resilience.
The Hidden Strain Behind the Craft
The demanding nature of our profession is intensified by irregular hours, and challenging environments. AMEs and AMTs often work through the night, on early mornings, weekends, holidays—even missing anniversaries and birthdays. These schedules can severely disrupt sleep patterns and make maintaining a healthy work-life balance incredibly difficult.
Physically, the job is grueling — working in confined spaces, at heights, in loud and extreme environments. Mentally, it’s just as tough. Over time, these stressors can take a toll, leading to anxiety, depression, or burnout. These challenges are more common than we like to admit — yet they often go unspoken because of the stigma surrounding mental health in aviation.
The Stigma We Must Break
In our industry, the stigma around mental health remains especially strong. Many fear that speaking up will make them appear weak or unfit for duty. As a result, too many suffer in silence.
But here’s the truth: mental health cannot be separated from safety. Unaddressed mental health issues can impair focus, decision-making, and attention to detail — all critical in our line of work. Add to that personal struggles like divorce, grief, illness, financial stress, or a child’s addiction, and the emotional weight can become overwhelming.
We can’t afford to ignore this anymore. Protecting mental health isn’t just a personal matter — it’s a safety imperative.
Support Starts with a Conversation
Creating a supportive culture starts with us. Reducing stigma can begin with a simple question: “Are you okay?”
When was the last time you checked in with a colleague, a friend, or your “work wife”? That small question could be the lifeline someone needs — the moment they realize they’re not alone and it’s okay to talk.
Let’s look out for one another. A safer, stronger workplace begins with compassion.
Is there something you’re carrying that’s too heavy?
- The pressure of providing for your family?
- Financial or job insecurity?
- Struggles with your kids — or a hidden addiction?
If so, don’t carry it alone. Talk to someone you trust — your spouse, a friend, a pastor, or a professional counselor. Reach out. Let them in.
Sometimes, we need to set aside our pride and the image we think we have to uphold — and just ask for help.
We were never meant to carry it all alone.
My Story: From Overwhelmed to Supported
I’ve been there.
- My father was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer.
- My teenager was in a toxic relationship that led to drug use.
- My wife had recently been laid off, and I became the sole provider for my family.
I was overwhelmed.
If it weren’t for the support of friends, family, and the resources available through support programs, I don’t know how I would’ve made it through that time in a healthy way.
Help is out there — and it works. You don’t have to face it alone.
You’re Not Alone. Help Is Available.
Whatever you or someone you love is facing:
- Stress
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Financial issues
- Marital difficulties
- Parenting challenges
- Substance abuse
—there are programs designed to support you.
Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs)
Alaska Airlines / Horizon Airlines – Lyra Health
📞 (877) 878-7834 | � aag.lyrahealth.com
Spirit Airlines – EWS
📞 (800) 622-7276 | � liveandworkwell.com
Southwest Airlines – Clear Skies
📞 (800) 742-8911 | � swaclearskies.com
Sun Country Airlines – TELUS Health
📞 (877) 234-5151 | � suncountry.lifeworks.com
Username: Sun Country | Password: 5692
WestJet – Inkblot EFAP
📞 (855) 933-0103 | � inkblottherapy.com/WestJet
Peer Support: ✉� TechOps.PS@gmail.com | � tops-ps.com
Login: TEAM | Password: W3$tJ3t
JAZZ / JTS – Homewood Health
📞 (800) 663-1142 | � homeweb.ca
Calm Air – Manulife
📞 (833) 531-4455 | � manulife.ca
L3 Harris – Manulife
📞 (866) 644-0326 | � manulifeEFAP.com
U.S. Veterans’ Support
VA Info Line: 📞 1-800-MyVA411 (1-800-698-2411)
Veterans Crisis Line: 📞 Dial 988, then press 1
Vet Centers: 📞 1-877-927-8387
Final Message
Together, we maintain more than aircraft — we maintain each other.
Let’s normalize mental health conversations. Let’s break the stigma. Let’s take care of ourselves and one another — so we can continue to keep the skies safe and live lives that are free, fast, light, and connected.
If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out. Help is just one call, one text, one conversation away.
Thomas Wiggins
National Safety & Standards Director
