Pilots warn of dangers of new mental health checks
Pilots are warning that proposed psychological tests for new pilots could be counter-productive.
Speaking at the start of Mental Health Awareness Week, the British Airline Pilots’ Association (BALPA) said the tests would only increase the stigma around mental health in the sector.
And it warned that there are no tests proven to be reliable for accurately determining the true mental state of a pilot.
However, the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) is proposing that pilots must undergo psychological testing when first employed by an airline to try to prevent a repeat of the Germanwings tragedy in 2015 when a pilot deliberately crashed his aircraft.
BALPA said it supported the need for psychological assessment, but argued that if pilots feel they are unable to discuss mental health without fear of losing their job, these issues may be forced underground.
Head of flight safety and aeromedical examiner, Dr Rob Hunter, said: "The general stigma around mental health issues is still prevalent in all walks of society and we need to get better at talking about these issues openly.
"Therefore, we need to ensure these new rules support pilots and don’t demonise them, and offer the appropriate support where needed.
"We are currently working with airlines to ensure there are robust peer intervention programmes in place.
"BALPA and the European Cockpit Association have also continued to point out to EASA that the use of psychological testing would, sadly, almost certainly not have prevented the Germanwings tragedy.
"It is wrong to assume that anyone suffering with depression is suicidal and furthermore, homicidal, such as was the case with the Germanwings co-pilot."
EASA’s proposals are expected to be presented to member states in June 2017, but with no final decision being taken before autumn 2017. Any new rules will be fully implemented by autumn 2019.
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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