Pilots and Mental Illness

1) What are the specific details of the Germanwings accident? 

-        According to Joshua Hammer (2016), the Germanwings accident was a plane crash that was deliberately crashed by the co-pilot while the pilot was out of the cockpit. The plane was leaving Spain and on its way to Germany when the pilot stepped out to go the bathroom. At this time the co-pilot locked the door of the cockpit and descended at a controlled rate until they crashed. All 144 passengers and 6 crew members died in the crash.

Was the pilot's metal illness documented? 

-        There was medical proof that the co-pilot was not fit to fly. According to Hammer (2016) he went to his personal doctor and was treated for suicidal thoughts and behaviors but neve disclosed that information to his employers. The employers never had this illness documented because he

Prior to the accident, had he ever had issues that were a result of his mental condition?

-        Yes. He according to Rothwell (2017), he had several major episodes of depression in the past, but failed to tell his employers or the medical evaluator.

2) In addition to the Germanwings accident, find and discuss another incident/accident where the pilots mental condition was a contributing factor.

-        Unfortunately, there is a long list of planes that have been brought down deliberately by a pilot; both commercial and private planes. One of the recent ones was in 2013, when a pilot of a Mozambique Airlines commercial plane intentionally crashing the plane; which impacted in Namibia’s Bwabwata National Park. Ensor (2013).

3) How is mental health currently screened for and address amongst the pilot population? 

-        The FAA requires a medical evaluation of commercial pilots every 6 to 12 months depending on the pilots age. The pilot must disclose every medical related doctor visit in the last three years along with any other major medical changes or reports, both physical and psychological, or face serious fines. If someone says that a pilot might have mental health issues their employer has the right to direct the employee to report a mental health doctor for an external evaluation. All of the previous information was pulled from the FAA website, under the Pilots Mental Fitness (2014).

Do you feel that this method is sufficient or that there is need for reform?

-        As far as gaining a ATP license, I believe the FAA and airlines do a good job and screening and monitoring their employee’s mental health with what they have. The recent law adopted by main airlines after the Germanwings accident, of not having only one person in the cockpit while the plane is in flight, is a great final defense to ensure these accidents don’t happen anymore.

If you feel that there is need for reform, what specific processes would address pilot mental health more efficiently?

-        I believe that a face to face conversation with a mental health professional every month or so would definitely help. I understand this could get expensive, both to pay the doctor and to pay the pilots to sit down with the doctor but in the event that it helps someone struggling with this kind of problem and potentially saves lives, then the cost would be worth it.

4) Expanding on 3), look at the issue from the FAA and airline perspective. What may be some challenges for the FAA and airlines if a more liberal approach was implemented in regards to mental illness acceptability and treatment?

-        Cost and time. Similarly, to the military, they don’t accept people that may be or become a liability. This isn’t to hurt anyone’s feelings or make anyone feel bad, this is strictly because there is a mission to complete and people that need extra care and attention, or might blow a fuse while behind the yoke, will hinder the entire organization from accomplishing the mission safely.

Citations 

Hammer, J. (2016, February 22). The Real Story of Germanwings Flight 9525. Retrieved January 24, 2018, from https://www.gq.com/story/germanwings-flight-9525-final-moments

Rothwell, J. (2017, March 24). Father of Germanwings suicide pilot Andreas Lubitz angers victims' families as he protests son's innocence. Retrieved January 24, 2018, from http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/03/24/father-germanwings-suicide-pilot-andreas-lubitz-angers-victims/

Ensor, J. (2013, December 22). Mozambique Airlines captain 'intentionally' crashed plane. Retrieved January 24, 2018, from http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/mozambique/10533239/Mozambique-Airlines-captain-intentionally-crashed-plane.html

“Fact Sheet – Pilot Mental Fitness.” FAA seal, 19 Sept. 2014, www.faa.gov/news/fact_sheets/news_story.cfm?newsId=20455.