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
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
TAP Air Portugal to operate 29 flights due to strike on December 11
Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt
Digital Travel Reporter of the Mirror totally seduced by HotelPlanner AI Travel Agent
Strike action set to cause travel chaos at Brussels airports