US to review assessment procedures of pilots’ mental health

After the crash of the Germanwings flight in the French Alps and subsequent allegations the plane was deliberately brought down by the co-pilot, plus the unsolved disappearance of Malaysia Airlines MH370 in March 2014, the US has decided to examine more closely the procedures in place for assessing the state of pilots’ mental health. Two months ago they announced the formation of the Pilot Fitness Aviation Rulemaking Committee, which is made up of a panel of international experts. It has been made clear that a report on the current procedures for assessing pilots’ mental wellbeing and any existing barriers to the reporting of a pilot’s state of health will be produced within six months. Based on the group’s opinions and subsequent recommendations, the FAA may well consider changing current testing procedures, aircraft design as well as pilot training.
Airlines for America who represents US carriers has stated that one of its members will co-chair the committee, indicating that it “is looking forward to working with FAA and the aviation community on ways we can continue to build on our strong safety standards.” Currently, US regulations require pilots operating scheduled flights to undergo an annual physical examination, or biannually if aged 40 or older, during which each pilot must also complete an FAA medical application form that also questions them about any known mental disorders. Aviation Medical Examiners carry out the tests and ask about the psychological condition of pilots, “and the AME can defer any examination when he or she believes additional psychological testing may be indicated,” the FAA has confirmed.
Currently, for falsifying any medical information, pilots can be fined up to USD$250,000. A spokesman for Lufthansa, which owns Germanwings, “highly welcomes efforts that serve to further increase international aviation safety and will fully support these efforts,” according to a spokesperson, while the European Commission has requested the European Aviation Safety Agency assess a report on the causes of the Germanwings crash. Based on their findings European rules may then be altered accordingly.