Recently, the Flight Operations Wellness Task Force hosted nearly 40 pilots, currently out on disability leave, at a hotel near our JFK pilot base. The Pilot Disability Forum serves to connect pilots with each other, Delta and ALPA leaders, and other helpful resources. This event offered an opportunity to meet Dr. Vanichkachorn, our new Director of Health Services, and learn more about his role in helping pilots with their aviation health and medical certification processes. This includes assisting pilots with medical issues and navigating the mountain of paperwork often required by the FAA when returning to flying status.   

Topics covered at the forum included several pilots sharing their disability story, updates from the Delta Health & Wellness team, available Delta / ALPA resources and PWA updates, the return-to-work process, opportunities to stay engaged in the aviation industry and Delta through Delta Professional Services and mentorship through Propel.   

Pilots shared a positive perspective on the topics covered during the event. One pilot mentioned that “[they] really appreciate the effort by all to put this on. Like many [out] there, I’ve felt a bit divorced from big D since. Thanks again for the event.” While another pilot shared, “Dr. Van was the most beneficial part of the seminar for me. I am grateful he is an advocate for the pilots.” Others appreciated the opportunity to network with Delta people and others in a similar situation, including one pilot who mentioned that “it was great to be around colleagues going through the same things” and that there was excitement about having Dr. Van and team available as a resource.    

As part of the Wellness Task Force’s continuing efforts to engage pilots in the disability process, the team is planning a future virtual Pilot Disability Forum later in 2024 that will open the aperture to all those who may not be able to travel to a centralized location. First Officer Becki Neel, Special Assignment Supervisor and one of the Forum planners on behalf of the Wellness Task Force, would like to create a virtual event in the future to include FAA leaders who can speak to policies and provide best practices for working with the FAA.  

Special thanks to Jeff Handel, NYC Director & Chief Pilot; Joseline Lucas-Yearwood, NYC Regional Operations Manager; and Martin Rottler, Sr. Manager for Engagement & DEI for supporting this very successful event.