UK pilot union warns new mental health rules could backfire
The British Airline Pilots’ Association has spoken out against mental health rules, proposed in the wake of the 2015 Germanwings tragedy, saying they could be counterproductive. The new rules, proposed by EASA, could increase the stigma around pilot mental health and push the problem underground if pilots fear losing their jobs, BALPA said. They include new requirements that will strengthen pilot medical examinations to include drugs and alcohol screening, a comprehensive mental health assessment and improved follow-ups of previous psychiatric conditions. In addition, the training, oversight and assessment of aero-medical examiners will be stepped up and further measures will be put in place to prevent fraud. “We need to ensure these new rules support pilots and don’t demonise them,” BALPA said. <br/>
https://portal.staralliance.com/cms/news/hot-topics/2017-05-09/general/uk-pilot-union-warns-new-mental-health-rules-could-backfire
https://portal.staralliance.com/cms/logo.png
UK pilot union warns new mental health rules could backfire
The British Airline Pilots’ Association has spoken out against mental health rules, proposed in the wake of the 2015 Germanwings tragedy, saying they could be counterproductive. The new rules, proposed by EASA, could increase the stigma around pilot mental health and push the problem underground if pilots fear losing their jobs, BALPA said. They include new requirements that will strengthen pilot medical examinations to include drugs and alcohol screening, a comprehensive mental health assessment and improved follow-ups of previous psychiatric conditions. In addition, the training, oversight and assessment of aero-medical examiners will be stepped up and further measures will be put in place to prevent fraud. “We need to ensure these new rules support pilots and don’t demonise them,” BALPA said. <br/>
