article_snippet: The average aviator has superior intellectual and cognitive abilities, and is psychologically stable and reliable.
article_snippet: Pilots are typically tested for emotional stability and screened for the presence of mental illness when Pilots are selected.
article_snippet: The U.S. Navy has strict testing programs related to fitness for duty protocols for Pilots pilots during the length of Pilots careers.
article_snippet: But we have learned that the German company Lufthansa and The U.S. Navy budget airline affiliate Germanwings do not use psychological testing once the pilots have made it through the selection process.
article_snippet: Psychological assessment and screening is not held in as high esteem in Germany as it is in the United States.
article_snippet: A fitness-for-duty evaluation asks this important question: Can the pilot safely and effectively perform the pilot job from a mental health and cognitive standpoint?
article_snippet: As a psychologist, I would, of course, advocate for more rigorous psychological screening and regular testing for pilots, as well as instituting additional security measures to prevent future incidents like this.
article_snippet: Just as aircraft are inspected and maintained, it is important to regularly evaluate one of the more fragile components of modern aviation -- the pilots operating the plane.
highlights_snippet: Eric Zillmer says German airlines should consider more rigorous psychological screening and testing for pilots .