After Germanwings tragedy, psychological tests mandatory for Malaysian pilots

KUALA LUMPUR, March 31 (KUNA) -- From now on, all Malaysian pilots have to undergo psychological tests ahead of takeoff, the Malaysian Pilots Association (MPA) said here on Tuesday.
The move came as investigations into the March 24 tragedy revealed that the Germanwings Airbus pilot may have deliberately crashed the plane on the slopes of the French Alps.
MPA President Captain Abdul Manan Mansor said in a press statement that prior to the Germanwings flight disaster, which killed 150 on board, psychological checks were not mandatory and were seen as unnecessary.
Medical check-ups for airline staff only often focuses on physical fitness, he regretted.
"The checks are now necessary as you'll never know if the pilots have psychological problems," Mansor added.
"I think now is the best time for the government to take serious action on passenger and crew safety," he said, adding that such checks will help to prevent a repeat of the Germanwings tragedy.
The MPA chief emphasized that the Health Ministry should work closely with local airlines in conducting such tests. (end) aab.mt