Dr. Roland Vermeiren reports on collaboration between medical doctors, pilots, psychologists and international bodies

After the crash of Germanwings Flight 9525 on 24 March last year owing to actions taken by the co-pilot, there is a lot happening at the aviation medicine level in terms of looking at ways of prevention or better risk identification. Changes are taking place at all levels: worldwide with ICAO, at the European level with EASA, and also at regional level.

Author: Ries Simons
Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2016; 87(7):659–660.

Since the tragic accident of Germanwings flight 4U9525, there has been discussion about methods to identify and prevent suicidality in pilots. Neurogenetic scientists claim that biomarker tests for suicidality as part of healthcare assessments may lead to early identification of suicidal behavior.

Kevin Herbert, M.B.Ch.B., D.Av.Med., was the 2016 recipient of the John A. Tamisiea Award for his outstanding leadership and inspiration in all fields of aviation medicine.

The award was presented during AsMA Honors Night Ceremonies, April 28, 2016, at the Harrah’s Resort Hotel in Atlantic City, NJ. Dr. Herbert started the European ‘Fly Safe, Fly Well’ project, which highlighted the importance of mental health and preventive aspects in the daily work of all AMEs.

Mayo Clinic: Office for Human Research Protection Email Consent Script
Protocol Title: Airline transport pilots and mental health: A Comparison of the medical certification process between the U.S. and various European countries.
IRB #: 15-008911

Joint statement by the European Society of Aerospace Medicine (ESAM), the European Association for Aviation Psychology (EAAP) and the European Cockpit Association (ECA) on the Aerospace Medical Association (AsMA) Pilot Mental Health: Expert Working Group Recommendations – Revised 2015

The three organisations have individually, and jointly, reviewed the latest AsMA pilot mental health recommendations of Sept. 2015 and wish to endorse them as a valuable guidance for assessing pilot health, and – more generally – for raising awareness of mental health issues.

Unfit private pilots in Europe?
The European parliament will be enacting into European Law the proposals for the medical certification of a pilot's fitness to fly, based upon the published opinion of the European Aviation Safety Agency.