Air India Flight Crew Mental Health Support Enhanced Post-Crash
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new delhi: In the wake of a tragic Boeing 787 dreamliner crash that claimed the life of former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani adn 168 others, Air India has intensified its focus on the mental well-being of its flight crew. The incident, which occurred shortly after takeoff near Ahmedabad airport, prompted an inquiry into reports of mass sick leave among the airline’s pilots.
Addressing Pilot Concerns and Mental Health Initiatives
Responding to an unstarred question posed by MP Jai Prakash, the government revealed that 51 commanders and 61 first officers had reported sick. This response highlighted the need for robust mental health support systems within the aviation sector.The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has been proactive in this regard, issuing extensive guidelines in February 2023 aimed at bolstering mental health support for flight crews and Air Traffic Control Officers (ATCOs). These guidelines are designed to ensure that aviation professionals have access to the necessary resources to manage the inherent stresses of their demanding roles.
Key Mental Health Support measures
the DGCA’s initiatives include several crucial components:
Streamlined Mental Health Checks: The guidelines mandate easy and fast mental health assessments conducted by DGCA-approved medical examiners during routine medical examinations. This ensures early detection and intervention for any potential mental health challenges. Specialized Training Modules: To equip flight crews and ATCOs wiht the skills to navigate mental health issues, specialized training modules have been developed. These modules focus on understanding and effectively dealing with psychological stressors.
* Peer Support Program (PSP): A vital element of the new framework is the introduction of a Peer Support Programme (PSP). This program creates a safe and supportive surroundings where employees can seek help without the fear of disciplinary action, fostering a culture of open dialog and mutual support.
Advancements in Accident Examination
Separately, Union civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu provided an update on the investigation into the AI-171 crash. He announced a important milestone: the decoding of the Black Box was successfully conducted in India for the first time. Previously, any damage to the Black Box necessitated sending it to the manufacturer for data retrieval.”First set of the probe is done and a preliminary report is out,” stated Minister Naidu in the Rajya Sabha. “Earlier, whenever Black Box had slight damage, the black box used to be sent to the manufacturer for decoding. For the first time, the decoding of the Black Box has happened in India.”
The Minister also lauded the aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) for its unbiased approach to investigations, underscoring the commitment to thorough and impartial inquiries into aviation incidents. These advancements in investigative capabilities, coupled with enhanced mental health support, signal a strong commitment to aviation safety and the well-being of its personnel.