EU: mandatory psychological tests for pilots

European airlines must test pilots psychologically before hiring them. The European Commission decided Wednesday. The regulation follows the crash of aircraft with a GermanWings aircraft in 2015, which a co-pilot deliberately left behind. The 150 people on board were killed.

Pilots are currently under medical supervision, but mandatory psychological control is not included. In addition, during European flights or flights with a destination in the EU, pilots must undergo random tests for alcohol or drug use.

Airlines must also ensure that company pilots can ask for help if they encounter problems that may affect their work. Airlines have two years to implement the stricter EU requirements.

Mental Problems

The GermanWings aircraft, an A320, was en route from Barcelona to Düsseldorf on 24 March. The co-pilot, Andreas Lubitz, locked the cockpit door so that the captain could not get in and let the plane crush on the French mountains. Later, it became clear that Lubitz had mental problems: he was psychotic and suicidal. He had not told his employer GermanWings, which is part of Lufthansa.

The new measures should prevent such disasters in the future. "With these rules, the EU is putting in place the right tools to ensure the mental health of airline personnel," replies Patrick Ky, head of EASA's European Aviation Agency. Lufthansa said in a reaction to welcome the regulations, reports the Reuters news agency.