The document discusses whether the military should be concerned about intentional crashes by pilots and reviews policies. It summarizes that many aviation authorities now require two crew members be present in the cockpit to help prevent intentional crashes. Within the military, factors like an open cockpit, squadron culture, oversight from medical personnel, screening of pilots, and stress management training help mitigate the risks, but stigma around mental health remains a challenge.

1. CO-PILOT INTENTIONALLY
CRASHES AIRCRAFT –
SHOULD THE MILITARY BE
CONCERNED?
Sqn Ldr (Ben) Campion
Defence Specialist Advisor (Mental Health)
Wg Cdr (John) Rollo
SO1 Aviation Medicine RAF
Affiliation: Employed by RAF Centre of
Aviation Medicine, Ministry of Defence.

2. Introduction

3. Methods:
• The authors reviewed the current policy
both within the British Armed Forces and
in the wider aviation industries, along with
the literature released as a result of this
tragedy. The military flying community is
considered and the key differences with
their civilian counterparts.

4. International Policy
• Already had ‘rule of 2’ requirement:
– USA FAA
– CAA China
– Several European airlines
• Implemented new regulations in response:
– Aviation authorities in Australia, Canada,
Germany, New Zealand and Philippines
– European Aviation Safety Agency Bulletin
2015-04

5. Military Policy
• GASO ???
• Air Tanker
– Introduced ‘rule of 2’
• Hercules C130J SOP, Para 32, Page 12: Whenever the
PNF visits the cargo compartment, the ALM should be
present on the flight deck and on intercom. The selection
of a PFD will help the ALM monitor the PF.
• Atlas A400 OM, Section 1.3, Page 11: Whenever the
PM visits the cargo compartment, the LM should be
present on the flight deck & on intercom. Displaying a
PFD on the 3rd CM DU will help the LM monitor the PF.
• Globemaster C17 ???

6. Discussion:
Factors that help to mitigate the military against
such a disaster are discussed in the
presentation:
– Open Cockpit.
– Squadron Ethos.
– Duty Holder.
– Medical Oversight.
– Mental Health Awareness Training.
– Aircrew Selection and Training.
– Psychological Testing – Officer Training.
– Through Life Stress Management Policy.

7. Open Cockpit.

8. Squadron Ethos.

9. Duty Holder.

10. Medical Oversight.

11. MES
Joint Medical Employment Standard

12. Mental Health Awareness Training.

13. Access to
Mental Health
Services

14. Aircrew Selection and Training.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tR6Dyfp7Yf0

15. Psychological Testing – Officer
Training.

16. Through Life Stress Management
Policy
Stress Management Training is provided:
• During Initial Training
• During Promotion Courses
• Before, During & After Deployment
• On Retirement

17. Conclusion:
• These factors do make the ‘risk’ for the
Military less than for commercial airlines.
• Fear of grounding from aircrew remains
the greatest risk to flight safety, with some
not asking for help until its too late.
• The MOD has done as much as it can to
mitigate such risks, but it remains a
salutary lesson that stigma towards mental
health remains our key issue.