Counselling
First of all, if your friend is asking whether counselling support is needed or not, then the fact he is questioning means the answer is probably Yes.
Another thing you can do for him is be available and just Listen! Listening quietly and having non-judgemental conversations can help enormously - perhaps a long walk around the airfield perimeter with him...
Police and Firefighters are often involved in less than cheerful incidents where some support is needed for victims, and sometimes themselves. A discussion with some of the older Jacks and Jills in emergency services, about how they deal with post-traumatic stresses and get back on the bike may help.
Ask around the Aero Club CFIs. Senior experienced instructors have probably seen their fair share of close calls, misadventures and dramas - and had to help students and instructor colleagues deal with the consequences.
If there is serious post-traumatic stress, then the emergency services folks may be able to put you onto professionals in your community who can help with that. Chaplains, Ministers, ditto. Look up Pyschologists in your yellow pages - you should find some with trauma counselling and PTS services offered. His DAME may know of a good one.
With regard to getting back into the air; some careful reflection with an instructor is probably needed, with a 'Low Pressure' plan to regain confidence. You might consider him having his first flight as a 'no pressure' flight, purely for fun, with a trusted friend, just getting back "home" in the sky, enjoying what we want to be a pleasant environment.
Good luck to you both...
Last edited by Bunyan Wingnut; 10th Sep 2012 at 03:03.
Reason: edit content