AMC1 CAT.GEN.MPA.215(a) Support programme

CAA ORS9 Decision No. 35

PRINCIPLES GOVERNING A SUPPORT PROGRAMME

(a) The support programme should:

(1) enable self-declaration or referral in case of an actual or potential decrease in a flight crew’s medical fitness with an emphasis on prevention and early support;

(2) if appropriate, allow or facilitate the flight crew to receive temporary relief from or adjustment to flight duties; and

(3) allow or facilitate flight crew to be referred for professional advice.

ELEMENTS OF A SUPPORT PROGRAMME

(b) A support programme should contain as a minimum the following elements:

(1) documented policy and procedures;

(2) training of all flight crew regarding self-awareness and facilitation of self- referral, particularly relating to issues of mental health;

(3) assistance provided by professionals, including mental and psychological health professionals with relevant knowledge of the aviation environment;

(4) involvement of trained peers, where trained peers are available;

(5) monitoring of the efficiency and effectiveness of the programme including monitoring and support of the individual during of the process of returning to work;

(6) safety risk management of potential hazards resulting from the fear of loss of licence; and

(7) a referral system to an aero-medical examiner in defined cases that lead to serious safety concerns;.

(8) monitoring the efficiency and effectiveness of the programme.

AWARENESS AND TRAINING

(c) The operator should promote access to the support programme for all flight crew.

(d) Professionals and trained peers involved in the support programme should receive initial and recurrent training and supervision related to their role and function within the support programme.