The Germanwings crash

The tragic crash of the Germanwings aircraft killing all 150 people onboard highlights the need for airlines to have periodic and random checks to determine the mental health of pilots apart from their physical fitness and proficiency checks.
There should be zero tolerance for any psychological incapacity or any doubts about such an illness developing at a later stage. Any pilot with a tendency for psychological issues should not be allowed by the regulator to hold a valid licence. Such problems can only be detected if regular psychiatric evaluations are conducted – both by airline operators and the regulator.
Rashid Orakzai
Islamabad