Aeromedical authorities are mulling changes in their requirements for routine aviation medical examinations that they say could ultimately focus new attention on pilots’ mental health.
The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) is considering a move to upgrade into a requirement an existing recommendation that national aviation authorities implement a health education system for holders of pilot licenses.1 If approved by ICAO’s Air Navigation Commission, the requirement would, by late 2016, become part of a larger program to address pilots’ mental health, Anthony Evans, chief of ICAO’s Aviation Medicine Section, says.
“We need an industry-wide (regulators, airlines, pilot associations) approach to the issue,” Evans said, adding that the approach must include “better education associated with a system to support those who have a mental health problem.”
The proposed requirement would direct pilot licensing authorities in ICAO member states to…
