Q&A: How Air NZ looks after its pilots

Air New Zealand has implemented new rules requiring two people, including at least one pilot, to be in the cockpit at all times. Photo / Thinkstock

Air New Zealand has implemented new rules requiring two people, including at least one pilot, to be in the cockpit at all times in the wake of the Germanwings crash. Here the Air New Zealand flight operations and safety officer, David Morgan answers questions around pilot welfare and safety protocols.

What psychological screening and aptitude testing does Air NZ carry out before hiring pilots?

Air New Zealand works with independent psychologists who conduct cognitive and personality testing during the recruitment process to determine a potential employee's suitability.

What procedures are in place for assisting pilots identified with mental health and/or drug and alcohol concerns?

Air New Zealand's medical team works closely with the pilot, their treating health professional and the regulator where a pilot is deemed to be experiencing mental health issues, and while each case is different, decisions are made jointly about the best course of action for the individual concerned, and their fitness to fly.

What services does Air NZ offer potentially stressed pilots?

Air New Zealand pilots undergo extensive and recurrent Civil Aviation Authority medical assessments which focus on psychological wellbeing and mental health fitness to fly. Air New Zealand also has a multi-layered approach to safety in this area.

The company's Aviation and Occupational Health Service undertakes evaluations when there are concerns raised about a pilot's performance or well-being during training, recurrency checks or normal operations.

Support is available to all employees via the airline's Employee Assistance Programme and the Aviation and Occupational Health Service.

What is the incidence of pilots calling on those services?

The volume of pilots taking up these services is low.

Regarding the argument on board the Perth-Auckland flight which resulted in a pilot being locked out of the flight deck for a short time, did those involved get any counselling?

The captain was stood down for two weeks the first officer was stood down for a week; both were counselled and had additional training.

Is the pilot still flying?

Both pilots are still employed by Air New Zealand.

Are you satisfied the incident was handled appropriately?

The airline reported this incident to the New Zealand Civil Aviation Authority and conducted its own internal investigation. While this issue was unfortunate, both pilots learned a valuable lesson about the need to communicate better with peers.