Should there be zero tolerance for depression in the cockpit?
The recent Germanwings tragedy has called commercial aviation’s concept of fitness for flight into question. Although the official mishap investigation has not yet concluded, available information at the time of this writing points to an intentional crashing of the plane by the 27-year-old co-pilot, Andreas Lubitz.
Reports from the co-pilot’s medical records allege he had previously experienced episodes of depression and carried diagnoses for other psychosomatic disorders. Antidepressants and torn medical memorandums stating that …