article_snippet: Mental health checks in the civil aviation industry lack the rigour needed, a former BA pilot has claimed in the wake of this week's Germanwings disaster.
article_snippet: This recent accident demonstrates that the mental health checks lack the rigour that is specifically required in a safety sensitive industry like civil aviation,' co-pilot Andreas Lubitz said.
article_snippet: Doctors giving pilots pilots regular medical checks assess Doctors giving pilots their regular medical checks psychological soundness at the same time, according to the UK’s Civil Aviation Authority.
article_snippet: Pilots are not made to sit detailed psychological tests, but the doctors are qualified to spot problems including signs of stress, fatigue and drug or alcohol abuse.
article_snippet: During assessment of the applicant’s history, the doctor should make a general inquiry about mental health, which may include mood, sleep and alcohol use.
article_snippet: ‘the doctor should observe the applicant during the process of the examination and assess the mental state of the applicant.
article_snippet: A CAA spokesman said: ‘There is a psychological element to the pilots’ medical assessments.
article_snippet: a psychological element to the pilots’ medical assessments forms part of the medical examination which pilots have to undergo to get pilots medical certificate without which pilots can’t fly.