Airline Pilots Have Suicidal Thoughts While Flying: A Study Reveals

A landmark study on airline industry suggests that the flying pilots are experiencing suicidal thoughts. These pilots are so depressed that they wish to harm themselves. Thousands of commercial flights are being flown by these pilots on a daily basis.

Pilots Who Are Diagnosed with Acute Depression Are Declared Unfit To Fly

An international survey was conducted by Harvard University and it was found that at least 4.1 percent of pilots had tried to kill themselves at least once in a previous fortnight. 12.6 percent pilots were found with the criteria of depression. It was also noticed that many pilots cover up their symptoms as they fear that they might lose their career, The Telegraph reports.

A Depressed Co-Pilot Flew The Plain Into The Mountain

This study was conducted because a copilot of Germanwings plain deliberately hit it into the mountains killing 149 people. It was discovered later on that the copilot was suffering from depression. It is predicted that 5700 pilots out of total 140,000 have such feelings. One more reason for conducting this study was the British Airways Cabin Crew voting for strike action. They justified saying that many crew members are unfit to fly because of stress and depression, Independent reports.

Verbal Harassment Of The Pilots Could Be A possible Reason of Depression

The survey was conducted anonymously on 1848 pilots from all parts of the world. These pilots responded to the section of their mental health. 23 pilots admitted that they were depressed. 74 pilots admitted the thoughts of self-harm or death in past two weeks. 24 pilots felt like they are unable to work, maintain healthy relationships, and taking care of home matters.

The issue of depression is more among female pilots as compared to the male pilots. There is evidence of verbal and other harassment of the pilots which should be checked immediately.