This workshop convenes leaders in operational aviation medicine, peer support, safety science, and regulatory policy to explore emerging innovations that advance mental health as a core component of aviation safety, readiness, and performance. It includes sessions on the Safe Haven concept of cooperative pilot/ATCO medical qualification policies without direct regulatory involvement, incorporating SMS concepts in medical policy decisions, an initiative to mirror a medical ASAP program similar to those used to improve operational flight safety, and establishing peer support programs for all aviation safety professionals. Together, these interactive sessions explores mental wellness not as an individual liability but as a system level safety priority requiring integrated solutions and ongoing progress. Small group discussions will synthesize lessons learned and identify practical next step actions aviation stakeholders can adopt to transform mental health into a proactive safety capability.
| Event Date | 05-17-2026 8:00 am |
| Event End Date | 12-03-2026 5:00 pm |
| Price | $250.00 |
| Location | Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel |
| 0900 – 0915 |
Introduction to Mental Health in Aviation Safety – Goals, Methods, Disclosures and Team buildingDr. Snyder, Dr. Hoffman, Dr. Raus |
| 0915– 1000 |
Safe Haven – Implementation Challenges, Current Experience & Future GoalsDr. Manderson and Dr. Sprott and Dr. David Powell |
| 1000– 1045 |
Safety Management Systems – The Critical Role of Mental Health in Risk Mitigation – PanelBen Johnston, and FSF Speaker |
| 1045– 1130 |
We Measure everything Else for Safety - Aviation Safety Coalition – Medical ASAP* - PanelDr. Anthony Tvaryanas, Capt. Travis Ludwig |
| 1130– 1215 |
We’re All in this Together – IPAAC’s Role in Supporting Every Aviation Safety ProfessionalCaptain Dave Fielding, Dr. Quay Snyder, Dr. Billy Hoffman, Johann Wium |
| 1215 - 1300 |
Lunch BreakSponsored by IPAAC |
| 1300– 1345 |
The Devil or the Savior - Does AI Have a role in Mental Wellness? – PanelDr. Kimberly Perkins, Johann Wium, EASA regulator |
| 1345– 1430 |
Operationally Driven ADHD AssessmentDr. Manderson and Dr. Sprott |
| 1430– 1545 |
Breakout #1 - “SMS – Is It possible to Integrate Mental Fitness?”Led by Anthony Tvarynas, Kim Perkins, Dave Fielding, Travis Ludwig, Billy Hoffman |
| 1430– 1545 |
Breakout #2 – “Unique Needs, Common Goals - Peer Support Challenges & Successes”Dr. Aedrian Bekker, Capt Keith Frank, Dr. Sky Overbo, Dr. Quay Snyder |
| 1545– 1605 |
Summary from BreakoutsOne spokesperson from each breakout |
| 1605– 1650 |
Close outHoffman and Snyder
Networking reception hosted by Centre for Aviation psychology – Bor and Bekker 4 PM |