article_snippet: A relief pilot travels on some long-haul flights so the other crew members can get some sleep.
article_snippet: Top airlines use psychological testing to check that would-be pilots are able to cope with stressful situations as well as possessing the skills needed to fly a large aircraft.
article_snippet: Flight crew have regular medical check-ups.
article_snippet: Those under 40 are examined once a year, while older pilots undergo tests every six months.
article_snippet: Without their medical certificate pilots are not allowed to fly.
article_snippet: Aviation psychologist Professor Robert Bor said:
article_snippet: ‘Every time they arrive at an airport they have to check-in and meet with other staff – to not spot a pilot with mental health problems would be rare.
article_snippet: ’ Lufthansa, the parent company of Germanwings, said Lufthansa air crew were chosen extremely carefully and subjected to psychological vetting.