The FAA has released recommendations from an aviation rulemaking committee (ARC) tasked with providing the agency input on how to assess and improve flight crew members’ mental fitness for duty. The committee’s recommendations include enhanced aviation medical examiner (AME) training and pilot assistance programs designed to help pilots who are experiencing emotional issues that could affect flight deck performance. “There has to be trust between the pilot; the FAA, and its designated representative, the AME; and the pilot’s employer,” said Dr. Quay Snyder, ARC member and president and CEO of the Aviation Medicine Advisory Service.
International Business Aviation Council Ltd.