Aussie pilot speaks out about danger
It’s a concerning lapse in the aviation industry but what should be done about surveillance of the mental health of pilots?
A former Australian pilot says many pilots flying commercial planes are doing so while suffering from depression and either don’t know it or are too frightened to admit it, sometimes with devastating consequences.
Greg Kiernan was a commercial pilot 30 years and has never spoken publicly about his own struggle with depression, until now.
Following our story on the Germanwings flight that claimed the lives of 150 people reportedly at the hands of a mentally ill pilot. Incredibly, this was not the first case of it's kind.
Reporter Alex Cullen revealed another seven occasions in the last 20 years where pilot suicide was likely to blame for bringing down an aircraft.
Greg Kiernan has called for major changes to the way the airline industry monitors pilot’s mental health.
The respected ex-pilot said the pressures and demands on commercial pilots only increase while resources get stipped away.
Pilots are only required to go through one mental health assessment in order to get their license and the Civil Aviation Safety Authority then relies on pilots to declare their own mental illnesses if they arise.
Watch the full story on pilot suicide here.
Statement from the Civil Aviation Safety Authority to Sunday Night
''The issue of the mental health of pilots is clearly in the focus of air safety regulators around the world, including Australia’s Civil Aviation Safety Authority.
We will continue to review developments in this area, and to contribute to and draw on international discussions dealing with the matter as appropriate.
These are complex issues that need to be explored fully before any changes to medical examination, fitness and certification requirements would be made.
Naturally, the first priority must be the safety of all who fly.''
