The federal government wants to make sure U.S. commercial airline pilots are in top mental shape after several high-profile crashes.
The Federal Aviation Administration said Wednesday it is working with the airline industry to conduct a study based on the emotional and mental health issues of pilots and barriers to reporting such issues.
The study comes in the wake of two high-profile incidents involving pilots. A few months ago, Germanwings flight 9525 traveling to Dusseldorf, Germany, from Barcelona crashed in the French Alps.
The plane’s co-pilot Andreas Lubitz, who was previously treated for mental health problems, is believed to have caused the crash.
Last year Malaysia Airlines flight 370 disappeared after it veered off course on the way to Beijing. Investigators believe the pilot intentionally diverted the plane.
A new group developing the study will issue recommendations within six months.
The FAA said it could consider changes to medical methods, aircraft design, pilot testing and training for medical examiners.
Pilots already undergo a medical exam every six or 12 months depending on the pilot’s age, the agency said.
