DGCA panel to consult pilots on norms for assessing their mental health

A DGCA-appointed panel, set up to formulate norms for assessing the mental health of pilots, has decided to consult pilots across airlines and other stake holders before giving a final shape to the new regulations.

The committee has already elicited the views of airlines doctors and chiefs of operations among others and would now invite pilots, an official of the aviation regulator said.

Director General of Civil Aviation M Sathiyavathi had in April said an internal committee of officials from the DGCA was looking into framing new norms for assessing pilots' mental health, a move triggered by the Germanwings plane tragedy in March in which a mentally disturbed co-pilot had deliberately crashed the plane into the Alps, killing all 150 people onboard.

"Pilots are important stakeholders in the issue. So the Committee had decided to consult them as well before finalising its report," the official said.

The exercise is expected to be completed shortly, he said, adding new norms may make periodic psychological tests mandatory. As of now, the domestic airlines, which employ over 3,000 pilots, carry out such tests at the point of induction of pilots but there are no subsequent appraisals of their mental condition.

They, however, undergo physical fitness tests every six months.

Air India had for the first time in May this year roped in a psychologist from IAF for conducting psychological tests during its recruitment drive for trainee pilots in which many aspirants failed to make the cut.