Tue, Dec 13, 2016
Publishes Proposal To The European Commission Following Germanwings Accident
EASA has published a proposal to the European Commission on new operational rules to better support pilot mental fitness. EASA’s proposal is part of its Action Plan following the Germanwings Flight 9525 accident.
The proposals address relevant safety recommendations made after the Flight 9525 accident by the EASA-led Task Force, as well as by the French Bureau d’Enquêtes et d’Analyses (BEA).
Released in a document known as an Opinion (Opinion 14/2016) , the proposals include the following new requirements:
- Ensuring that all pilots have access to a support program;
- Mandating airlines to perform a psychological assessment of pilots before the start of employment;
- Introducing systematic Drug & Alcohol (D&A) testing of flight and cabin crew upon employment, after a serious incident or accident, with due cause (i.e. following reasonable suspicion), as well as
- Unannounced D&A testing after rehabilitation and return to work;
- As an additional safety barrier for airlines which are not already subject to a national program for psychoactive substance testing: mandatory random alcohol screening of flight and cabin crew within the EU RAMP inspection program.
These requirements are contained in the so-called Air OPS Implementing Rules. The proposed rules have been subject to consultation with all stakeholders concerned. As part of a total system approach, they complement the proposals EASA issued in August of this year, on the update of medical requirements for pilots (Part-MED).
The EASA Opinion will serve as the basis for a legislative proposal by the European Commission in the course of 2017. To support the implementation of the new rules, EASA has prepared draft guidance material (so-called Acceptable Means of Compliance and Guidance Material - AMC/GM), annexed to the Opinion. The final AMC/GM will be published when the new rules have been adopted by the Commission.
(Source: EASA news release)
More News
Also: SkyReach Parts Support, Piper Service Ctr, Airliner Near-Miss, Airshow London The Judge overseeing Icon's convoluted Chapter 11 process has approved $9 million in Chapter 11 >[...]
ILS PRM Approach An instrument landing system (ILS) approach conducted to parallel runways whose extended centerlines are separated by less than 4,300 feet and at least 3,000 feet >[...]
Aero Linx: FlyPups FlyPups transports dogs from desperate situations to fosters, no-kill shelters, and fur-ever homes. We deliver trained dogs to veterans for service and companion>[...]
Also: Skydio Chief, Uncle Sam Sues, Dash 7 magniX, OR UAS Accelerator US Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall was given a turn around the patch in the 'X-62A Variable In-flight>[...]
Also: NBAA on FAA Reauth, DJI AG Drones, HI Insurance Bill Defeated, SPSA Airtankers The Beechcraft Denali continues moving forward towards certification, having received its FAA T>[...]