Airline pilots might undergo regular psychological tests

The government might propose psychological tests as a routine, beside stronger background checks, beside stronger background checks.

A Germanwings co-pilot allegedly crashing a plane into the French Alps intentionally last week has raised alarm bells at the civil aviation ministry. 

It is mulling an increased scrutiny of airline pilots' mental state. According to top ministry sources, the government might propose psychological tests as a routine, beside stronger background checks. 

At present, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation does not mandate routine checks of pilots' mental fitness. Psychometric tests are also not mandatory before induction of pilots. 

Sources said cabinet minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju met officials last week on the subject and discussed the norms. 

Minister of State Mahesh Sharma felt such tests were "a must". "It's an important issue. We should carry out such tests (psychometric) from time to time. We are going to discuss the issue soon," he told PTI in Delhi on Monday. 

At present, pilots undergo a medical check every six months — a complete eye examination and of the ear, nose and throat (ENT), heart (ECG), audiometry and lipid profile. Also, a complete body check every two years, including an ultrasound scan of all vital organs, plus a treadmill test. 

Inputs: PTI