ALEXANDRIA, Va. — Flight Safety Foundation issued the following statement after the release today of recommendations on pilot medical fitness from an Aviation Rulemaking Committee (ARC):
“We commend the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), organized labor, airlines, and medical professionals for coming together to study this serious issue and find ways to avoid a repeat of the Germanwings tragedy,” said Foundation President and CEO Jon Beatty. “Unquestionably, the best way to do so is to encourage pilots to seek medical help, and train physicians to both identify early warning signs and prescribe the best treatment. At the same time, we cannot afford to allow pilots with serious mental health issues to have access to the flight deck. We encourage all states to examine closely their privacy laws with affirmative reporting obligations for persons with known medical conditions that can put the safety of the traveling public at risk.”
The Foundation was represented on the ARC by Peter Stein, who sits on the FSF Board of Governors and is a professional pilot and attorney.
About Flight Safety Foundation
Flight Safety Foundation is an independent, nonprofit, international organization engaged in research, education, advocacy and publishing to improve aviation safety. The Foundation’s mission is to be the leading voice of safety for the global aerospace community.
Contact: Frank Jackman, 703.739.6700 ext. 116; jackman@webdeva.flightsafety.org
