article_snippet.sent: As the world learns more about Andreas Lubitz, the co-pilot on Germanwings Flight 9525, it is readily apparent that this young man had psychiatric issues far beyond clinical depression.
article_snippet.sent: Second, Lubitz had to compete successfully in a selection process just to have the opportunity to train through Lufthansa's flight program, a requirement of Germanwings employment.
article_snippet.sent: For primary training, Lufthansa utilizes an ab initio (from the beginning) program based at a facility Lufthansa owns in Goodyear, Arizona, near Phoenix.
article_snippet.sent: Wouldn't a manager in Lufthansa's flight department consider it prudent to reconsider a candidate with an indication of potential issues?
article_snippet.sent: Once the primary training in Arizona was complete, Lubitz would have returned to Germany and completed more specific schooling on the Airbus A320 Lubitz was about to fly.
article_snippet.sent: But even more curious, according to reports, Lubitz disclosed a diagnosis of previous depression to Lufthansa.
article_snippet.sent: As supplemental background, Germanwings had been established as the low-cost, alter ego carrier of Lufthansa.
article_snippet.sent: Depending upon a pilot's monthly flight time, salary for pilots can be as much as 20% lower than ego carrier of Lufthansa.
article_snippet.sent: In addition, more days on duty were part of a Germanwings crew member's schedule.
article_snippet.sent: Apparently as late as March 20, Lufthansa pilots had been on strike, one of the main disputes being an early retirement option and less desirable working conditions for new hires.
article_snippet.sent: Perhaps enough of a disparity existed for Germanwings pilots such that medical leave benefits would not have covered Lubitz's absence.
highlights_snippet.sent: Les Abend says Andreas Lubitz had to go through many challenges to qualify to be a co-pilot .