Operator/AOC

From the middle of February 2021, every operator/AOC holder operating under EASA must have implemented a Pilot Peer Support Programme (sometimes referred to as Peer Pilot Support Programme) The requirements are described in the following EASA documents:

CAT.GEN.MPA.215

CAT.GEN.MPA.175

CAT.GEN.MPA 170

What does this mean?

EASA CAT.GEN.MPA.215 Pilot Peer Support Programme (PPSP)

The psychological wellbeing and good mental health of commercial pilots are fundamental to safe, commercial air transport. Early recognition, reporting of problems and support are essential elements to facilitate a solution. Therefore, operators must establish a system which enables easy access to “peer-support” and ensure a further network to initiate expert help if needed. It also includes mandatory training of peer pilots (initial and recurrent training)

EASA CAT.GEN.MPA.175 Psychological Assessment

The implementation of EU-regulations (EU2018/1042) means that AOC-holders perform a psychological assessment of all pilots prior to commencing line flying. The new regulation surrounding psychological assessment was introduced along with the PPSP requirement.

EASA CAT.GEN.MPA.170 Drug and Alcohol Testing

A further safety barrier has been implemented; namely drug and alcohol testing of pilots and cabin crew for all European and foreign carriers flying within the territory of the European Union. Alcohol testing is already well-established in some member states, and with this regulation the drug and alcohol testing is expanded to all EU-member states.

For the PPSP to be effective, it must be independent of the operator, the unions and of the authorities. This is in line with EASA recommendations.

What do we offer?

Our PPSP has been designed to be a professional and flexible product for you. The programme includes these elements:

  • Interview and recruitment of peer pilots
  • Drug and alcohol testing
  • Psychological assessment of pilots
  • Initial Peer Pilot Training (3 days) held at our training facility in central Copenhagen, Denmark
  • Recurrent training for peer pilots
  • Support and advice for peer pilots in individual cases
  • Tracking of cases to identify trends
  • Confidentiality agreement with peer pilots
  • Support for everyone (not emergency situations) who may experience health or mental problems or difficulties. We can either facilitate contact to a peer pilot of own choice OR provide support by one of our own educated specialists
  • Referral and contact to external, specialised therapists or psychologists when needed
  • Help with creating the wording for your OM-A
  • Introduction of the Pilot Peer Support programme to your pilots/crew
  • The option of including cabin crew and other staff in the programme

At NaviMinds we believe in sharing across sectors, cultures and people. When you become a part of our programme you will be able to share experience, thoughts and ideas of other operator´s within the programme. Any pilot who faces challenges and who needs support is able to contact a peer pilot within her/his own organisation OR contact a peer pilot from another operator OR contact one of NaviMinds’ experts. If needed, NaviMinds will refer to more specific health professionals in our network. The mandatory initial training of peer pilots is done with pilots from other operators which makes the training dynamic and enables the exchange of experiences and ideas with other peer pilots. Naturally, in full accordance with GDPR.