EPSI Seminar Feb 2017
Aviation psychologists’ role and
contribution to pilot PSPs
Professor Robert Bor
Clinical & Aviation Psychologist
EAAP & Centre for Aviation Psychology
EPPSI Outreach Seminar – Frankfurt 2 February 2017
EPSI Seminar Feb 2017
EPSI Seminar Feb 2017
• Mental health specialist care
• An EAP/ Occ. Health
• An emergency service
• Health education
• A management or union ‘tool’
Pilot peer support is not:
EPSI Seminar Feb 2017
• Standards, training, codes
varies across member states
• Psychology is not a precise
science
• Most likely to be: Aviation,
Clinical or Occupational
Psychologists with 6yrs
training and aviation context
experience
Psychologists & PSPs
EPSI Seminar Feb 2017
Peer Support Programmes are Pilot Driven
& Psychologist Supported
EPSI Seminar Feb 2017
Psychologists & PSPs
• Governance
• Specialist assessment &
signposting
• Safety through case
consultations
• Selection & Training
• Supervision
EPSI Seminar Feb 2017
Governance
• Independent oversight &
management
• External health care
provider
• Define PSP role,
boundaries and limits
• Link to airline/regulatory
authority
• Reporting, Audit &
Evaluation
• Ethical Framework
• Significant responsibilities:
Data Controller/ Holder
EPSI Seminar Feb 2017
Specialist assessment
& signposting
• Mental health expertise:
training & support
• Guide external referrals &
links
• Assist early detection of
mental health issues
• Support ‘fitness to fly’
judgements
• Oversee mental health
assessment &
roles/legislation
EPSI Seminar Feb 2017
Safety through case
consultations
• Review cases with peers
• Help assess risk
• Monitor and enhance the
‘dual relationship’
• A second opinion
• Develop ‘I am safe’
protocols
EPSI Seminar Feb 2017
Selection & Training I
• Managing selection
process
• Interviews essential
• Ensure diversity of
company demographics
• Select out those with
unhelpful motives
EPSI Seminar Feb 2017
Selection & Training II
• Role, limits and
boundaries
• Regulatory framework
• Dual relationship
• Confidentiality and limits;
code of practice
• How the PSP system
works
• Mental health overview
and common problems
• Essential skills
• pitfalls
• Self care
• CPD
EPSI Seminar Feb 2017
Supervision
• Reflection & self
improvement
• Ensure & validate sound
practice & high standards
• Feed established skills into
the peer-pilot relationship
• Broader skills acquisition
via group supervision
• Support stress & distress
among peers
• Manage caseload
• Ensures PSP activity is
rewarding for volunteers
• A ‘safe place’
EPSI Seminar Feb 2017
Peer Support Programmes are Pilot Driven
& Psychologist Supported
And finally,
EPSI Seminar Feb 2017
• One size does not fit all – and its an evolving field
• EPPSI: pool good practice & standards
• Ratio of pilots in airline: psychologists varies (? 1000 : 1)
• PSP psychologists will not be involved in D and A testing
• EAAP: 80 Accredited Members who can assist (advantage of
being a psychologist in the member state and aviation
expertise)
EPSI Seminar Feb 2017
Thank you!
Professor Robert Bor
www.centreforaviationspychology.com
