The aviation industry is one of the fields that requires the highest standards in terms of safety. A number of factors must come together for an aircraft to take off, fly and land safely. The most important of these factors is the health status of the pilots. The health of pilots is critical to the safety of passengers and crew. For this reason, pilots’ health checks and safety standards are determined and implemented very meticulously. In this article, we will discuss pilot health checks and safety standards in this field in detail.
Health Checks of Pilots
Pilots must meet certain health standards to obtain and maintain their flight license. These standards are determined by national and international aviation authorities. The most widely accepted standards are those set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). These standards cover the physical and mental health of pilots.
Physical Health Checks
Pilots’ physical health checks include comprehensive examinations that evaluate their general health. These examinations include:
Mental Health Checks
Pilots’ mental health is also of great importance for flight safety. Therefore, psychological evaluations and tests are performed regularly. These evaluations include:
Security Standards
Pilots’ health checks are carried out within the framework of certain safety standards. These standards are determined at both national and international levels and are constantly updated. Here are some of these standards:
International Standards
National Standards
Each country sets its own standards for pilot health checks through its aviation authority. In Turkey, the General Directorate of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is the authorized institution in this field and makes national regulations based on ICAO and EASA standards.
Continuity of Health Checks
Pilots’ health conditions need to be monitored throughout their flying careers. For this reason, the health checks performed during the first license acquisition are repeated periodically. Generally:
These periods may vary depending on the age and health history of the pilots. Additionally, if any health problems are detected, pilots may be temporarily suspended from continuing their flight duties and their treatment processes are monitored.
Conclusion
Pilot health checks and safety standards in this field are one of the cornerstones of aviation safety. Physical and mental health checks are rigorously implemented to ensure that pilots can safely perform their flight duties. National and international standards require these controls to be carried out continuously determines its nature and scope. In this way, the safety of passengers and crew is ensured at the highest level. In order to ensure safety in the aviation industry, it is of great importance to constantly monitor the health status of pilots and carry out the necessary health checks regularly.
