About Us
Supporting the US Business Aviation Community
The BizAvPeer
Recent events in US aviation have sharpened the focus on the human factor behind a safe operation—and on the value of making it easier for aviation professionals to seek help before problems escalate.
The FAA’s recent leadership on mental health and aviation medical certification reflects a growing recognition that reducing stigma and encouraging earlier support can strengthen, rather than compromise, aviation safety.
For US business aviation operators, confidential peer support offers a practical way to turn this thinking into action.
BizAvPeer's trained aviation peers provide a trusted, credible first point of contact for colleagues who may hesitate in seeking help—someone who understands the pressures of the job, the fear of jeopardy in seeking help, and someone who speaks their language and can guide them towards appropriate support when needed.
It is about creating a culture where asking for help is seen as a strength, not a risk—and where supporting people and enhancing their resilience is recognised as an essential part of keeping aviation safe, aviators healthy, and operators flying.
Aedrian Bekker
Founder and Clinical Aviation Psychologist
Aedrian is a registered and experienced Clinical, Organization and Aviation Psychologist.
For the past two decades Aedrian has developed an expertize in human behavior and mental health in complex systems, focussing on heavily regulated, safety critical and customer sensitive environments across the globe.
Having co-founded the Centre of Aviation Psychology in 2016, he has developed an industry leading organisation implementing and operating aviator peer support programs. He has achieved this in over 130+ operators, supporting 37 000+ pilots (and cabin crew) in 8 languages spanning the UK, Europe and North America.
Aedrian is a regular speaker at industry events and also participates in various international boards and working groups promoting aviator mental health and wellbeing. He is currently engaged in developing ‘The Resilience Hub’ – an industry first in tailoring resilience development to the pilot community.
Within the North America, Aedrian has worked with organizations such as the US Airforce, the University of North Dakota, the US Helicopter Safety Team, and WestJet in establishing and running their peer support programs.
Jessica Auslander
Mental Health Professional - US Lead
Jessica Auslander, MA, PhD, LCMHC, LCAS, NCC, BC-TMH, ICGC-I, SAP holds bachelor’s degrees in music education and psychology from Bowling Green State University, a master’s degree in counsellor education from The Ohio State University, and a doctoral degree in addiction psychology from Capella University.
She has specialised in working with Pilots and aviation-related organisations for the past 12 years, providing services to individual Pilots, their families, and aviation Peer Support Programmes for air carriers and organisations in the United States, Virgin Islands, and Europe.
Jessica served as a volunteer in Disaster Mental Health (DMH) and Disaster Instruction for the American Red Cross for 15 years where she also led airport-based disaster simulations.
Jesica is the lead Mental Health Professional for The Center for Aviation Psychology in the US and provides her services to programs such as the USHST Pilot Peer Program.
The Center for Aviation Psychology
The Center for Aviation Psychology (CAP) promotes psychological well-being through confidential access to our specialist psychologists and resources.
In response to the wake of the German Wings incident and to meet future EASA and FAA directives, the CAP was established in 2016 to support aviation professionals as they adapt to this new and emerging landscape.
We know that there are problems to be solved by those in Aviation - and we know that these issues are incredibly sensitive. We believe they require practical delivery with professional expertise. Our teams provide the reassurance you need on both fronts - we have years of clinical expertise and a track record of delivering successful organisation-wide interventions.
See our main website for further information.