A importância do acompanhamento psicológico continuado para pilotos de linha aérea brasileiros

Abstract

This research intended to analyze the effectiveness of psychophysical assessment of ANAC – centered on psychological assessment and its forms – applied at the time of obtaining CMA by the Airline Pilot. In secondary terms, the objective was to explore factors such as fatigue and depression and their consequences on the pilot's actions, as well as discussing the practices that offer matured results for the monitoring and diagnosis of mental disorders in this professional. The study was based on a descriptive, bibliographic and documentary methodology, anchored on the hypothesis that questions the true representativeness of the tests now used by regulatory agency. Considering this, the research identified that psychological assessment, worldwide, cannot predict sudden psychotic disorders, nor are they efficient if used without a specific and disjointed monitoring purpose. Even because accidents involving several contributing factors, including psychological – such as Germanwings and Nepal –, still happen, reflecting on the knowledge of psychological tests and their diagnoses, leading to other and new discussions by experts and governments. On the other hand, psychological problems resulting from fatigue or stress must be identified, analyzed and monitored so that the pilot has a chance of support and treatment. However, it was found that, due to the image of strength and solidity associated with the Airline Pilot, studies suggest the possibility of a tendency to the “hyper defensive syndrome”, in which the professional hides or does not recognize his problems and, consequently, does not seek treatment for his illnesses. For sure, when the system that should map a pilot's mental condition does not do it, opportunities arise to circumvent such a system. This is what happens with ANAC forms that must be answered before physical and mental assessment. In this case, the research showed the superficiality of the issues dealt with there, since the pilot may be silent as to the truth of his psychological condition. It is assumed that the professional will not declare himself "suicidal potential" to the agency that supervises him. The results of public consultation carried out by ANAC in 2019 were also brought up by the present study, which point out frank dissatisfaction of aeronauts regarding to the real effectiveness of the psychotechnical examination, since this examination, applied every five years, consists of mere repetition of questions, without bringing new and effective elements of evaluation. The present study demonstrated that there is a possibility of adopting methods that assess relationship skills, among others. Regarding fatigue and other diseases, it became evident that support, monitoring and management programs are the basis for the improvement and good pilots’ performance, so this has been the focus of organizations. Finally, it is suggested continuous psychological monitoring of professionals working in aviation context.