Taking into consideration the high-stress levels of flight crew and air traffic controllers (ATC), the Indian aviation regulator Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is planning to establish a culture of better evaluation of their mental well-being. DGCA has proposed new guidelines which will come into effect this May 2023.
The regulator formed a panel of experts, which identified three key areas to focus on – mental health assessment during the medical evaluations, Peer Support Programme (PSP), and pre-employment psychological assessment.
“These testing instruments consist of small questionnaires and interview techniques only. Hence, they will not substantially impact the current medical examination process for the licence holders as well as the medical examiners. A separate, standalone and customised training by a trained clinical psychologist for the flight crew/ATCOs to recognise and manage the adverse effects of mental health conditions has (also) been recommended,” DGCA said in a statement.
DGCA has also recommended a Peer Support Programme. A Peer will be someone who shares a common professional qualification and experience and has encountered similar situations, problems or conditions with the person seeking assistance.
The peer will be supported by a mental health expert in cases where it becomes apparent that professional intervention is required. The DGCA also highlights the sensitivity of such cases and the importance of maintaining confidentiality as one of the pre-conditions of such a programme.
DGCA has also asked airlines and airports to hold pre-employment psychological assessments, which will first be validated by a clinical psychologist with acquired knowledge in aviation relevant to the operating environment.