Mental health

Question 1

what is the Reinhardt’s stages of aviator’s life

Answer 1

Stage 1: Glamorous years (22-24yr). Characterised by thrill, drive for mastery and being uninhibited, exploratory and daring
Stage 2: Years of increasing caution. (24-28yr) discovery of human limitations.
Stage 3: controlled fear of flying age 30-38.joy and thrill develop from doing a proficient job
Stage 4: Safe year >38yr. Mature, dependable and consummate aircraft captain.

Question 2

Aviator psychological problems

Answer 2

Alcohol abuse or dependence as common coping mechanism, previously socially encouraged, now less tolerated

Eating disorder eg bulimia or anorexia nervosa

adjustment disorder

personality disorders eg borderline PD

Violent behaviour tendency

Question 3

Military aeromedical disposition for psychological conditions

Answer 3

TMUFF min 12 months
until stable and off meds for min 3 months
I/CAMECR to return to flying - likely as or with co pilot 12months

recruits = class 4 with waiver if short term and resolved fully and remained stable

follow up as clinically indicated

Bipolar is a flat no

Question 4

Aeromedical disposition for psychological condition for CASA

Answer 4

TMUFF until stable on meds
Specialist or treating doctor report as supporting documentation
Certified CASA Audit: 12 months with treating doctor report

bipolar is flat no

Question 5

Depression and flying in military

Answer 5

TMUFF for 12months
until stable and off meds for 3 months

if still on med then I/CAMECR to return to flying - likely as or with Co-pilot

Recruits as a no

Question 6

Depression and flying in CASA

Answer 6

TMUFF until stable on approved meds
min of 4 weeks

need supporting documentation from treating doctor

12 month reviews

Question 7

Anxiety disorders, aeromedical disposition for military

Answer 7

depends of specific phobia easier to manage with avoidance vs generalised anxiety.

Question 8

PTSD and Acute stress disorder

Answer 8

Mane early to prevent worsening

unfit to fly while working up

Question 9

OCD and aeromedical disposition in military

Answer 9

Risk of incapacitation due to disabling symptoms
impaired cognitive performance and inattention.
Aviation environment can precipitate and aggravate disorder

Risk assessment
Good prognosis if can demonstrates stability off medications
if need for long term medication = long term unfitness for flying.

Question 10

OCD and aeromedical disposition for CASA

Answer 10

Need stability and euthymia on approved medications

can fly if well

Question 11

personality disorders and aeromedical disposition in military

Answer 11

unfit for flying duties long term

Question 12

Personality disorder aeromedical disposition in CASA

Answer 12

Complex case management panel review

Question 13

Psychosis aeromedical disposition in military and CASA

Answer 13

Schizophenia = long term unfitness for flying duties

single psychotic episode with well defined trigger = individual risk assessment

Question 14

ADHD aeromedical disposition in military and CASA

Answer 14

individual risk assessment for PmHx in recruits and new applicant
if current symptoms or medication then long term unfitness for flying duties

Question 15

Eating disorders and aeromedical disposition in military

Answer 15

Individual risk assessment

likely unfit to fly

associated with metabolic disturbance and increase risk of incapacitation

Question 16

Substance abuse aeromedical disposition in military

Answer 16

if hx of relapses the long term unfitness for flying duties

if single with compliant with well documented rehabilitation = individual risk assessment and return to multi-crew flying duties with long term follow up