EurECCA welcomes the publication by EASA of the Acceptable Means of Compliance and Guidance Material relating to aircrew medical fitness with ED Decision 2018/012/R. This Decision accompanies Commission Regulation (EU) 2018/1042 on mental fitness for air crew.
These new rules introduce the following requirements:
- Give all pilots access to a support programme in case of psychological problems;
- Oblige airlines to perform a psychological assessment of pilots before commencing flying;
- Introduce systematic testing for psychoactive substances of flight and cabin crew upon employment and unannounced testing after rehabilitation and return to work;
- Make random alcohol testing of pilots and cabin crew mandatory for all European and foreign airlines in the European Union.
This Regulation on mental fitness of air crew will have a transition period of two years and will apply on the 14 of April 2020, that will allows industry and Member States to prepare the implementation and to establish the necessary infrastructure to comply with.
The ED Decision :
http://www.easa.europa.eu/document-library/agency-decisions
https://www.easa.europa.eu/document-library/agency-decisions/ed-decision-2018012r
EASA’s press release on Commission Regulation (EU) 2018/1042 amending Regulation (EU) 965/2012:
https://www.easa.europa.eu/newsroom-and-events/press-releases/easa-welcomes-new-rules-mental-fitness-air-crew
More information on Commission Regulation (EU) 2018/1042 amending Regulation (EU) 965/2012 (Air OPS) can be found in the European Commission’s websites:
https://ec.europa.eu/transport/modes/air/news/2018-07-25-new-rules-mental-fitness-aircrew_en
