Infographic: Flying High

This infographic pulls data and information from studies by the Federal Aviation Administration, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, and Forbes Magazine to make the argument that aviation professionals are at high risk for developing substance abuse issues. According to this infographic, pilots have the fourth most stressful job and nearly half of pilot deaths in plane accidents involved drugs or alcohol. The data presented for flight attendants is similarly disturbing; they have much higher rates of suicide and alcoholism-related deaths than the general population due to the unique stresses of their working conditions. This infographic also points to progress made in the treatment of aviation employees for substance abuse and addiction, including a drug and alcohol testing program that has been in place since 1991.