Cyprus-Forum.com

[supporttheunderdog]

http://www.express.co.uk/news/world/568048/Germanwings-plane-crash-Andreas-Lubitz-suicide-methods

Duesseldorf prosecutors said the killer co-pilot had "looked for information on ways to commit suicide" in computer searches that took place between March 16 and 23 - just one day before he killed himself and 149 people.

The computer, found at the 27-year-old's home, also showed searches on cockpit doors, and safety precautions related to them.
.....
Meanwhile, it has also been revealed that Lubitz had recently been given a powerful anti-anxiety drug, Lorazepam, which is said to be so strong patients are advised to avoid driving - let alone flying a plane.

The drug is said to make patients sleepy and side effects include impairment to thinking and reactions.

Medical records showed that Lubitz was also taking medicines for depression, anxiety disorders and panic attacks.
...
Documents available to investigators also reveal that Lubitz had been in a car crash at the end of 2014 and had complained of resulting trauma and vision problems.

[miltiades]

I flew out of Gatwick day before yesterday on Belavia Airlines coming to Minsk in Belarus, although a regular flyer and not one who considers flying as anything but the safest mode of travel, I must admit the recent crush of the German plane did play on my mind.

I arrived Wednesday evening, today is the birthday of my other 3rd, getting ...old now, 33 years old

I love Belarus for many reasons, Im currently in my other thirds town of Zhlobin and enjoying every minute.
A clean country devoid of any so called multi culturist nonsense.

Took a stroll this morning , making sure I never crossed the road until the green lights counter starts, remembering what happened the last time I ignored this ..

I also must mention that Belarus has the most gorgeous women in the world, only wish I could ....marry a few more

[Robin Hood]

Now they have found the FDR it certainly looks like this guy should never have been on the flight deck in the first place. But I think that Paphitis has been correct all along that this could not be blamed so much on the airlines or the pilots but IMO, ‘The System’ itself. In our attempts to protect the privacy of individuals we have allowed potential threats to safety to slip under the net that is there for our protection.

There is now abundant evidence that medical evidence that would have prevented this atrocious act of murder was unknown to a great degree by those running the airlines? The vital information, was not passed up the chain of command. This is done simply to protect the privacy of individuals but surely, does common sense not say that if a doctor KNOWS a person has a mental (or other medical) problem that could endanger the lives of others, they should have a duty to inform? How would you feel if a teacher diagnosed with TB was teaching your children/grandchildren because the doctor could not inform the head teacher or education authorities of their condition, because the patient’s confidentiality was protected? Or a doctor/dentist who had AIDS?

The law should require that anyone that has responsibility for the lives of others should have to waive any rights to privacy where their medical condition could endanger others. Not just pilots but, bus/train/coach drivers, taxi drivers or those in charge of ships ...... even teachers, medical professionals? (remember Shipman?) No matter what you do you cannot avoid these events, although they are infrequent, thankfully ........... a rotten apple will always get through at some time.

[Paphitis]

The French should have kept the media at bay by keeping the evidence from the CVR under wraps until the release of the 30 day preliminary report.

The media scrutiny and hype has been unbearable and quite annoying. I gave up following this days ago but I am happy they have recovered the FDR. It will reveal exactly who did what resulting in the aircraft leaving its cruise altitude and what altitude was selected for the descend. I believe it was 100FT.

I hope people can keep this sensible. As for me, I have heard enough.

I am actually quite concerned about the possible recommendations that might arise. The unions will have to keep tabs on this and perhaps try and educate the public about the systems that are already in place and the irresponsible reporting from the mass media.

[Pyrpolizer]

I would like to have Paphitis comments on this:

German authorities have set up a task force to learn safety lessons from the doomed flight.

It is also looking to explore change in medical and psychological tests for pilots, confirmed the transport minister and head of the German Aviation Association (BDL).

[GreekIslandGirl]

Meanwhile, it has also been revealed that Lubitz had recently been given a powerful anti-anxiety drug, Lorazepam, which is said to be so strong patients are advised to avoid driving - let alone flying a plane.

Interesting. A friend who took this only twice, the lowest dose (half a milligram), both times ended up in hospital after getting so disorientated/dizzy/high she fell over and hurt herself.

I thought I was over-reacting when I recommended not taking it to another friend.

[Paphitis]

I would like to have Paphitis comments on this:

German authorities have set up a task force to learn safety lessons from the doomed flight.

It is also looking to explore change in medical and psychological tests for pilots, confirmed the transport minister and head of the German Aviation Association (BDL).

This is just a standard responce by most jurisdictions. The FAA, Australia, China and even KSA have said similar.

However, the devil is always in the detail.

You can look to explore but don't mess with something that is not broken.

[Paphitis]

Meanwhile, it has also been revealed that Lubitz had recently been given a powerful anti-anxiety drug, Lorazepam, which is said to be so strong patients are advised to avoid driving - let alone flying a plane.

Interesting. A friend who took this only twice, the lowest dose (half a milligram), both times ended up in hospital after getting so disorientated/dizzy/high she fell over and hurt herself.

I thought I was over-reacting when I recommended not taking it to another friend.

All medications are banned. When taking medications, you need to have them approved, even down to the common over the counter.

If Lunitz disclosed his meds, he would have been surprised at the level of support he would have received from Lufthansa. Obviously he would not be allowed to fly for a period of time. But he would have to get off any drugs with side effects such as the ones you mention.

The urine tests we are randomly subject to are able to detect 14 drug sub groups such as things like Amphetimines, Codeine, Opiates, and other illegal stuff.

Things like prescription sleeping pills are things which can be a commonly approved drug for pilots. The reason for that is of course fatigue, and crossing many time zones resulting in out of whack circadian rhythms. Pilots need to sleep well, but obviously, when taking drugs like this, they need to be disclosed to the airline.

Airlines monitor frequency of fatigue calls. If a pilot has an unusually high incidence, then a good airline would refer them to their doctor to see what is going on.

When being drug tested, you need to disclose everything down to the common Panadeine. If the test is positive, the samples are sent to a lab in order to break down the traces of what is found and confirm with the ingredients of the disclosed medications.

Have seen a pilot stood down for pissing in the cup and having a positive result. The reason was that he took some Panadeine which contains Codeine, for a common migraine. He had a few days off until the lab results came back.

Bloods are taken every 12 months.

[Paphitis]

Hi Marios

The AFAP has been closely monitoring the circumstances surrounding the investigation of Germanwings Flight 4U9525.

The Investigation and the AFAP’s Position

As you are aware, German prosecutors have alleged this accident is attributable to unlawful interference by the First Officer. This deeply disturbing news should be read in context of the AFAP’s long-standing position is that it is inappropriate to draw conclusions before the completion of an investigation into an aviation accident or incident. Please find attached a media release that we distributed earlier this week in which the AFAP called for a measured response in the wake of the Germanwings tragedy.

This approach is consistent with the internationally-agreed principles of accident investigation adopted by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and supported by the International Federation of Air Line Pilots (of which the AFAP is a founding member).

The Federal Government’s Response

To recap, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development, Warren Truss, announced earlier this week that in light of the Germanwings accident, the Federal Government is now requiring that Australian airlines immediately update their Standard Operating Procedures to require two members of the operating crew or authorised persons on the flight deck at all times.

The “2 in the cockpit” rule has been introduced to reassure the travelling public and maintain confidence in air travel. While the AFAP accept the need for governments to maintain this confidence, the lack of consultation associated with this change is regrettable. We also have concerns around additional new risks emerging from these procedures due to this rushed approach.

The AFAP have been consulting with operators and our members over the past week and will be providing feedback to the Federal Government and the regulator regarding our concerns on how the new rule was introduced and potential safety risks arising from its implementation.

Mental Health

The Federal Government has also indicated its intention to review the requirements for medical testing, including mental health, of flight crew members. In this area, the Federation will demand full participation in any debate about additional testing or otherwise that professional pilots may be subject to moving forward. The Germanwings accident may well become a defining event in world aviation and the AFAP will work hard and lobby to ensure that over-zealous regulation does not create more problems than it solves.

As this tragedy has started a conversation about the mental health of pilots, we remind you that the AFAP has launched a Member Assistance Program (MAP) earlier this year. MAP provides a confidential counselling and advisory service for AFAP members to seek professional assistance for any personal or work-related problems.

MAP can be accessed by members calling freecall number 1800 424 635 to speak to a qualified psychologist with follow-up consultations provided.

We will keep you updated on further developments on these important issues.

Yours sincerely,

Captain David Booth
President

[Paphitis]

OK guys, the above is an email being sent out to Union members (AFAP) which is a founder member of the International IFALPA.

It appears that AFAP (Australia) and IFALPA will be opposing any new legislation pertaining to the so called "rule of 2" or any review or rushed changes to Pilot medical screening or any other over zealous reactions which may introduce new hazards in the future.

The unions are highlighting a total lack of any consultative process by the regulator. They are also highlighting the fact that the French Investigating Authorities may have acted inappropriately and in blatant disregard on the internationally accepted principles on accident investigation.

In other words, whatever the media has fed you all, is total rubbish and regulators around the world might have a fight on their hands.

And believe me when I tell you. International Federations like IFALPA and its founding members like AFAP have the money to buy many lawyers.

AFAP once bought Australia to a standstill and cost the Australian economy Billions of Dollars and also deposed the Australian Labor Government (Keating).

Interesting times ahead.