Mental check call for pilots

31 Mar 2015

A database accessible through the internet that would allow examiners to check on the mental health of pilots might one day redflag individuals with psychological problems.

The proposal originated in the SA Aerospace Medical Association.

But aviation industry experts say that before this can happen regulations stipulating that pilots go through mental health evaluations as part of their medical check-up must be put in place.

Most pilots are subjected to psychological assessments only when they are recruited or if they sustain an injury that might affect them emotionally or cognitively.

But following the Germanwings airliner crash there has been a call for better ways of assessing the mental wellbeing of pilots.

"If, for example, we could go back five years we would get a better idea if this were a developing problem," said Johan Erasmus, who is on the medical panel of the Civil Aviation Authority.

The proposed database would prevent "doctor hopping" by pilots and give examiners a holistic view of their medical history.

In the aftermath of the Germanywings crash, it was revealed that co-pilot Andreas Lubitz had shown signs of mental illness during his training and career.

The experts believe these signs, if collated in a single database, would have provided a better insight into his psychological state.

In another air crash, a Mozambican airline captain is believed to have intentionally flown his aircraft into the ground. Investigators found that before the crash the captain had lost his son in a car crash, had divorced his wife and was in serious financial difficulties.

There are obstacles to the introduction of mandatory mental health checks and psychometric testing.

There have been concerns in the past that cultural bias could disadvantage some race groups. In particular, an individual's background could influence his score on an IQ test.

Aviation experts have said that the commitment of regulators, members of the aviation industry, doctors and psychologists, and aircrew to openness about mental health is essential for flight safety.

Source: The Times

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