Support for Achieving EASA Compliance
The origin of Peer Support sprung out of the EASA workshop in the aftermath of the Germanwings Flight 9525, where the main focus was related to the mental health issue of the incident. Peer Support is an effective way to catch mental illness at an early stage to prevent escalation.
In collaboration with its partners, MHC Aviation offers to facilitate airlines with a high-quality Peer Support programme in cooperation with Crewguard and the Centre for Aviation Psychology (CAP). With customers like British Airways, EasyJet, and TUI, they offer customised Peer Support programs adapted to each airline.
Our Business Aviation Peer Support program is a cost-effective solution for small operators. By sharing trained Peers, we ensure that all airlines can benefit from this support. We have a diverse pool of trained Peers, including those from Helicopter, Ambulance, Regional, and Business Jet backgrounds, making this program both comprehensive and affordable.
Key Components of Our Program:
- Easy access via our partner website compliance, reporting and governance
- Available self-help resources and a comprehensive FAQ (including a dedicated section on confidentiality)
- Available trained peers: 365 days a year
- Multilingual and multicultural peers
- Secured data protection
- Accommodating the needs of pilots
- More than 25000 pilots in 8 languages
- Customized peer support for large and small AOC’s
- Auditing and review of currently used systems ensuring compliance with EASA
- Confidentiality and human aspect are the main intentions for pilots to access trained peers as they recognise the courage it takes for many pilots to ask for support
The Importance of a Pilot Peer Support Program
Pilots encounter unique stressors due to the nature of their work, which can impact mental well-being. Our pilot peer support program provides a structured, confidential space for pilots to connect, share experiences, and receive support from trained peers. This initiative promotes resilience and mental health in the aviation industry.
EASA Compliance and Regulatory Requirements
Our program adheres to the EASA Commission Regulation (EU) No 965/2012, which mandates support systems for pilots to ensure safety and regulatory compliance. By integrating EASA guidelines, we guarantee that our peer support services meet stringent European aviation safety standards, providing pilots with a compliant support environment.
Professional and Confidential Peer Support Services
The program offers pilots confidential access to peer support group services designed to be both private and professional. We uphold the highest standards of confidentiality to foster an open and safe space, where pilots can discuss challenges without fear of judgment or repercussion.
The Functionality of the Pilot Peer Support Program
Our pilot peer support program is grounded in the principles of intentional peer support. This structured approach encourages open communication and shared understanding, connecting pilots who face similar issues. Our program also features ongoing assessments to ensure its effectiveness and adaptability to individual pilot needs.
Benefits of Peer Support for Pilots
Peer support programs offer numerous benefits, including stress reduction, improved mental resilience, and enhanced safety. Through this program, pilots gain tools to manage occupational stressors, build connections with other aviation professionals, and promote a positive culture within the industry.
We combine our Human Resources expertise with peer support to provide complete workforce solutions.
Frequently Asked Questions | FAQs
As this is a relatively new field we are still learning from each other. An excellent resource regarding the key considerations when considering PSPs can be found from the European Pilot Peer Support Initiative (Peer Support – European Pilot Peer Support Initiative (eppsi.eu)).