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UK Civil Aviation Authority

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Medical fitness and aviation safety

How the CAA promotes medical fitness, training and support programmes to reduce the risk of impairment or incapacitation among aviation licence holders.

Rationale

Medical fitness is fundamental to the safe conduct of aviation operations. The Germanwings accident on 24 March 2015 highlighted the potentially catastrophic consequences of a pilot operating an aircraft while medically unfit. Working collaboratively with industry and fellow regulators, the CAA has implemented, wherever practicable, the recommendations arising from this accident and has taken further action to strengthen medical oversight and support across the aviation sector.

Outcomes

  • Enhanced aviation safety through reducing the risk of impairment or incapacitation among pilots and other aviation licence holders.
  • Improved competence and capability of medical assessors and aeromedical examiners (AMEs) through education and professional development.

Actions

  • Establish and maintain an e-learning platform to enhance education and training in aviation medicine, including the assessment and management of aircrew mental health.
  • Increase pilot awareness and understanding of the risks associated with the use or misuse of drugs, medication and other substances.
  • Address barriers that may discourage individuals from disclosing mental health conditions and seeking appropriate support.
  • Support and facilitate the development of pilot support programmes within airlines.
  • Maintain a robust oversight and quality assurance programme for AMEs to promote consistent and effective medical certification practices.