Safer skies

It is unfortunate that the co-pilot of the Germanwings flight was allowed to fly given his condition ( >Editorial, March 30 ). In this connection, mention must be made of the tough, initial and periodic, physical and psychological tests administered by the Indian Railways to all its locopilots. A physical examination once a year (in some cases, once in six months), a rigid eye test and a psychometric test are a must. There is also a “breathalyser” test before the journey. No driver can consume alcohol within eight hours prior to work. When the railways are so careful, aviation experts should design a better system to improve safety standards.

J. Eden Alexander,

Thanjavur

The problems the co-pilot is said to have had (“

>Alps crash: co-pilot was classified as ‘suicidal ’,” ‘International’ page, March 31) reminds me an incident in my professional life, as an ophthalmologist. Years ago, my patient, a State road transport bus driver, came to me with a complaint of extreme vision problems. I found an eye to be totally defective, and with no cure. Given the nature of his job, I was in dilemma whether or not to inform the transport authorities or honour the understanding of confidentiality between patient and doctor. I knew some of the higher-ups in the transport department was able to ensure that the patient was transferred to another department and without affecting his salary. In the case of the German airline, one wishes that there had been a psychiatrist who could have informed the management of the problems the pilot was experiencing. The tragedy could have been avoided.

Dr. S.V. Malghan,

Vijayapura, Karnataka