How did you get into the airline industry? My interest arose after I qualified as a psychologist. Flying began as a hobby and I obtained my PPL/IMC. I am also a Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society. I have worked in the industry for the last 10 years. What does your role involve? Essentially I help people in the airline industry to overcome specific problems or perform to the best of their abilities. I do this by providing a psychological support and counselling service for those with typical problems such as stress and anxiety. I assess pilots where there may be a question about fitness for the job on health and psychological grounds and interview pilots and crew for selection. I always look for the positives in people. It was rewarding when a pilot said to me last week: "You're one of the first shrinks I've met who doesn't speak psychobabble. "Some of my work is as a consultant for companies. I also receive referrals from aviation authorities who have a problem concerning medical certification of a pilot where there may be a mental health issue. Some airline employees and pilots contact me directly for counselling as I offer a confidential service. What issues specific to the industry do clients face? Typical problems are stress, alcohol abuse, difficulties with employers, anxiety, which is usually fear of flying, and depression. I also counsel members of the public who have a fear of flying. What qualifications/skills do you need? I studied for six years full-time to qualify as a psychologist but you can study part-time. Clearly one has to have a fascination with the airline industry. Once you are a fully qualified and practising psychologist there are openings for clinical psychologists in the airline industry. I conduct research, especially on "air rage" and pilot mental health and have written several books on the fear of flying. What are the rewards/challenges of the job? It is enormously rewarding to feel that you can make a positive difference to people's lives, family relationships and careers. Psychologists are in demand and pay tends to be good. If I could start over again, though, I would first become a commercial pilot, and then look to psychology as a second career within the industry.
flight.workingweek@rbi.co.uk
Source: Flight International
