Originally Posted by
IceFlyer
The problem is, that the pilots have to solve a psychological test once when they apply for the job. After that they will never be asked again about their psychological behavior.
But when the airlines would say that the pilots must do this test every half year, it would be very safe to prevent those suicides.
The solution will be knee-jerk reactions and regulatory band-aids - par for the course in commercial aviation or anywhere government is involved - but serves only to kick that can a little further down the road to 'perfection'.
Leaving aside mechanical failures and software anomalies, commercial airline operations in the area of human resources have many points of weakness along the chain of trust. From baggage handlers to engineers to cabin crew to pilots. In this case, it will be the guys up front that will carry the burden of new and 'improved' guidelines, but the threat of catastrophe remains.
Talk all you want about mental health but that door was the last link in chain.Of course they wont accept that because of costs of redesign.Psychometric testing and more SOPs will be their answer......The lunatics run the asylum.They always have.Always will.
The idea is not a bad thing,Rananim, but I see this as a less-than ideal solution. What is really needed is a support system that doesn't include the finishing of one's airline career as is the case in the US. If we can accomplish this, more may be willing to come forward, admit the need for help, and get it.