Cheese Pilot on the GI Bill, the FAA Medical and Mental Health in Aviation
An Army veteran and simulator instructor on the FAA medical process and why aviation needs a better approach to mental health.
An airshow sparked Cheese Pilot’s love of flying, but money kept him from training. After serving in the Army, he used the GI Bill for flight training. In Episode 319, he talks about the FAA medical process that later disrupted his career.
- 01Using the GI Bill for flight training
- 02The FAA medical and mental health evaluations
- 03Stigma and bureaucracy that keep pilots from seeking help
- 04Moving from general aviation to commercial flying
- 05Why open conversations matter
Army to aviation
After the Army, Cheese Pilot discovered he could use his GI Bill for flight training.
The medical process
He describes how FAA mental health evaluations affected his ability to work as a pilot, and calls for reform.
Talking about it
He argues for more open conversation about mental health among aviation professionals.
Cheese Pilot
Cheese Pilot is an aviation content creator, simulator instructor and Army veteran.
Frequently asked questions
Can you use the GI Bill for flight training?
Cheese Pilot used his GI Bill for flight training after serving in the Army.
How does the FAA handle mental health?
Cheese Pilot describes his experience with FAA mental health evaluations and argues the process needs reform.
