DGCA asks airlines & AAI to promote mental health for flight crew & ATCOs

NEW DELHI: Pilots, cabin crew and air traffic controllers (ATCOs) will have to undergo detailed clinical mental health assessment at an Indian Air Force (IAF) centre whenever a concern arises regarding their mental state that could affect performance and ability to operate safely — like as after an incident or accident.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation on Wednesday issued guidelines for the “mental health promotion of flight crew and ATCOs.”

“Flight crew and ATCOs are… accustomed to very high workloads and occupational stress situations… train regularly in techniques to stay proficient, calm in unexpected scenarios…. However, the pressures at workplace and personal life cannot be addressed through professional skills, procedures or knowledge…. Any failure to cope… can have dramatic effects on their mental wellbeing and negatively impair their professional performance,” the DGCA said in a statement.