Reuters (10/28, Bryan) reports that at a conference devoted to aviation security, experts and pilots expressed their opinion that providing support for pilots with mental health issues would probably help prevent pilot suicides more effectively than the requirement of having two flight personnel present at all times in airliner cockpits. One consulting psychologist pointed out that in previous incidences in which a pilot was suspected to have committed suicide, another pilot in the cockpit was unable to take back control of the plane. Instead, the psychologist made the recommendation to provide pilots with mental health awareness training, not just for themselves, but also for other aircrew members, an idea pilot groups also promote.
Related Links:
— “Support, not two in cockpit, key to reducing pilot suicide risk, experts say,” Victoria Bryan, Reuters, October 27, 2015.