Call for more exhaustive psychological testing of airline pilots intensifies... [View all]

[Surya Gayatri]

This gleaned from the latest revelations on Lubitz's mental state:

"Calls for more exhaustive psychological testing of airline pilots intensified as it became clear that few national aviation authorities require formal psychometric testing once aircrew have qualified.

While almost all pilots undergo a full medical examination once or twice a year, most of it is physiological: height, weight, heart, blood, urine, eyesight. Technical ability is tested on a simulator.

The psychological component of most airline medicals consists of a few “general questions” about aircrews’ mood, family relations, sleep patterns and alcohol use, and whether they have suffered any recent episodes of depression or suicidal feelings.

Doctors can order formal psychological tests if they think they are necessary, however, and pilots are expected to report any mental health issues they experience themselves or observe in colleagues."

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/mar/27/germanwings-co-pilot-andreas-lubitzs-background-under-scrutiny

Debate on-going in the aviation industry right now, but this looks to be a game changer.
Most airlines are moving to a mandatory 'two-in-the-cockpit' configuration, and some are even arguing for three.

All airlines are reviewing their psych screening and reporting procedures.