Integration of Artificial Intelligence in Psychometric Tools to Assess Mental Health Disorders in American Civilian Pilots

Preserving mental faculties within aviators is a crucial component to aviation safety. The ramifications of unmonitored and underreported mental health disorders can be dire from significant loss of life to damage to equipment and aircraft. For these reasons, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) made mental health a priority and updated policies to reflect the growing need for attention in this area. Recent changes in allowable mental health medications and waivers for disorders has improved eligibility and working with pilots to help them maintain certification. Psychological assessments during medical certifications conducted by Aeromedical Examiners (AMEs) to determine fitness for flight is another preventative measure to support aviation safety. This article proposes to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) psychometric tools for medical certifications as a supplemental tool to make appropriate mental fitness determinations. The analysis explores AI’s current presence in healthcare in the form of administrative tasks and direct patient care. Foundational framework from AI and its existence in healthcare can translate into aeromedical systems, such as psychological assessments. The article explores the morality and feasibility considerations of AI implementation as well.