I just got home from Washington DC and my second CNN interview. I am tired, but have noticed that the blog has received a little bit of attention since the interview aired. I just wanted to post a link to the interview here before I go to bed.
Keep an eye on the sky!
Collin Hughes
http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/us/2012/03/29/pkg-oleary-depressed-pilots.cnn
Dear Mr. Hughes,
My name is Michael Sansone and I have been mesmerized by aviation ever since I was a small child. Once I learned that I was mentally ill, those dreams were shattered, destroying my life for years. I have been banging the drums for mental illness awareness for over 10 years, myself.
I have been diagnosed with Bipolar II disorder, Borderline Personality Disorder and PTSD. I will never be able to fly.
As a person who had his perverbial wings clipped before I ever had a chance to prove my skills in the air I can honestly say I respect what you doing.
There are many, many mentally ill people, like myself that would and could play a positive role in aviation if given that opporunity with fair and just reasoning on our behalf(s).
I find it disgusting that mentally ill people are so stigmatized for something that, with medication and therapy can be treated.
Keep on working and give the industry a good dusting off. It' just what's needed.
Sincerely with regards,
Michael Sansonee