Airlines must comply with EASA pilot mental fitness rules in 2020

European airlines have until Q3 of 2020 to comply with EASA’s aircrew mental fitness regulations, which were introduced in the wake of the 2015 Germanwings pilot-suicide crash. Germanwings co-pilot Andreas Lubitz deliberately flew an Airbus A320 into the French Alps in March 2015. That kicked off a regulatory response by the EU that resulted in new mental fitness regulations, spanning 3 key areas: psychological testing, pilot support and substance testing. Under the new rules, which were finalised by EASA in July 2018, all pilots working for European airlines must have access to a support program to help them to recognise, cope with and overcome problems that could affect their ability to operate safely. Under the new rules, pilots will also have undergo psychological screening at the start of their careers. <br/>