The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS), along with airlines and unions, has launched a new tripartite framework aimed at strengthening mental health and wellness support for pilots and air traffic controllers in Singapore. The framework will promote good mental health practices at work and provide comprehensive mental health and wellness support to build a trusted and safe environment for the safe return to duty. The Mental Health and Wellness Support Framework comprises four key pillars: education, peer support, intervention, and collaborative programmes.
The Framework is CAAS’ Pilot Peer Support Programme Workshop
The first initiative under the framework is CAAS’ Pilot Peer Support Programme Workshop, a three-day workshop held from March 27 to 29, 2023, which aims to equip participants with the skillsets and competencies to run successful pilot peer support initiatives. The workshop has received strong interest, with 49 participants registered, well above the initial target of 30 participants.
Mental Health and Wellness Support to Aviation Professionals
The tripartite collaboration builds on CAAS’ ongoing efforts to strengthen mental health and wellness support to aviation professionals. In September 2018, CAAS signed an MOU with Changi General Hospital to provide customised clinical care such as mental health interventions, psychological support, mental resilience, and fatigue risk management. The collaboration aims to develop aviation-related mental health and wellness initiatives and programmes to support the workforce and stakeholders in the Singapore aviation sector.
Mr Han Kok Juan, Director-General of CAAS, emphasised the importance of mental health and wellness for pilots and air traffic control officers, which play an important role in aviation safety. He believes that the tripartite approach will help build trust and enhance the effectiveness of mental health and wellness initiatives, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
With the launch of this tripartite framework, Singapore is taking a step forward in promoting mental health awareness and education in the aviation sector and ensuring that pilots and air traffic controllers have access to the necessary support and intervention for their mental health and well-being. Also learn about Singapore Airlines Increases Flights to Bali with Record-Breaking 6th Daily Service in our article.
