Industry News & Publications
Following the Germanwings tragedy, peer support programmes have become a key part of how the aviation industry supports pilot wellbeing. Designed to provide confidential, peer-led support, these programmes aim to encourage early help-seeking and strengthen a culture of openness around mental health. A systematic review by Melin and Lång (2023) highlights that while formal research is still developing, these initiatives are widely accepted and valued within the industry.
An Irish study by Cahill, Cullen, and Gaynor explores how work-related stress impacts both pilot wellbeing and flight safety, highlighting the close relationship between psychological functioning and operational performance. The paper identifies key stressors such as workload, fatigue, and organisational pressures, and outlines how these can affect attention, decision-making, and overall safety outcomes. Importantly, the authors emphasise that supporting pilot mental health is not just a wellbeing issue, but a critical component of aviation safety, reinforcing the need for proactive, evidence-based psychological support within the industry.
A paper by Forbes, Bor, and Bekker outlines a structured, competency-based approach to training peer supporters within aviation. As peer support programmes become a regulatory requirement across Europe, the authors highlight the need for consistent standards in how peers are selected, trained, and evaluated. Drawing on established aviation competency frameworks, the paper proposes a practical model for developing core skills such as communication, confidentiality, and psychological awareness. This work represents an important step toward ensuring peer support programmes are not only well-intentioned, but also effective, measurable, and aligned with aviation safety standards.