Any pilot who displays mental incapacity at whatever level should not be allowed to keep his licence
ISLAMABAD: The tragic crash of Germanwings plane, which resulted in 150 people being killed, highlights the need for airlines to adopt measures that both periodically and randomly check on the mental health of airline pilots, apart from checking their regular physical fitness and proficiency. Any pilot who displays mental incapacity at whatever level should not be allowed to keep his licence. There should be a zero tolerance policy in this regard. Any pilot with any tendency for abnormal mental behaviour should not be allowed to hold a valid licence. Such abnormalities can only be detected if regular psychiatric evaluations are conducted both by airline operators and regulators.
Incidences of PIA pilots coming drunk for flight duty have been reported, not only within Pakistan, but at major international airports. The most recent incident was at Birmingham, involving a pilot, who had a history of such irresponsible behaviour. However, he was protected by his peers and colleagues. This irresponsible behaviour must not be tolerated and should be instantly corrected.
Rashid Orakzai
Published in The Express Tribune, March 29th, 2015.
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