03-27-2015, 06:53 PM
Thanks for that insight blueberry. I think it would be ideal if the pilot screening was the same now as when you worked for the airlines -- in every country.
If it was an employment requirement that all pilots undergo regular physical and mental screening periodically by doctors and psychologists who were employed or contracted by the airlines, there would be no privacy law issues in play.
As it stands now, Lufthansa only does regular physical examinations on pilots after they're hired. They don't do separate psych evals. Instead, the physician who does the physical exam simply notes his/her general observations about the pilot's demeanor. It's not enough to ensure maximum safety (though no screening is guaranteed to catch everything, I agree).
Unfortunately, I think the increased costs associated with more frequent and in-depth pilot screening would make it an unattractive prospect for the airlines these days (unless they think passengers would be willing to bear higher ticket prices to absorb some or all of that cost).
If it was an employment requirement that all pilots undergo regular physical and mental screening periodically by doctors and psychologists who were employed or contracted by the airlines, there would be no privacy law issues in play.
As it stands now, Lufthansa only does regular physical examinations on pilots after they're hired. They don't do separate psych evals. Instead, the physician who does the physical exam simply notes his/her general observations about the pilot's demeanor. It's not enough to ensure maximum safety (though no screening is guaranteed to catch everything, I agree).
Unfortunately, I think the increased costs associated with more frequent and in-depth pilot screening would make it an unattractive prospect for the airlines these days (unless they think passengers would be willing to bear higher ticket prices to absorb some or all of that cost).