EASA unveils aero-medical tool advised after Germanwings suicide crash

Six years after being recommended in the aftermath of the deliberate crash of a Germanwings Airbus A320, an aero-medical repository has been formally unveiled by the European air safety regulator. The repository is intended to assist aero-medical examiners to meet obligations by enhancing the availability of commercial pilots’ medical information. Germanwings flight 9525, operated by an Airbus A320, was flown into high terrain in March 2015 after the first officer – having locked himself alone in the cockpit – initiated a deliberate controlled descent. The inquiry determined that the first officer had been suffering from a mental disorder with psychotic symptoms and decided to commit suicide. None of the 150 occupants survived. In the wake of the crash a task force recommended creating a European aero-medical repository, and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency says the tool went live in June this year. Mandatory use of the repository by EASA members is envisioned from 1 October. EASA states that it will “enhance flight safety” by allowing traceability of commercial pilots’ medical certificates. The repository is intended to ensure that a reduction in medical fitness can be detected, mitigating the risk if such a deterioration is not self-declared by a crew member. <br/>