Some good from disaster

The Germanwings flight that was intentionally flown into the Alps by its co-pilot adds a new wrinkle to flying.

And, it is not a good one.

The co-pilot took control of the plane after the pilot left the cockpit. He locked the pilot out and proceeded to dive the plane into the Alps. All 150 people aboard were instantly killed when the plane crashed into a mountainside.

This airline co-pilot reportedly had a long history of mental illness. At one point he was reportedly diagnosed as suicidal. He kept his treatment secret from the airline, even though it is a legal requirement that such things be disclosed.

Three changes will likely come from this murder-suicide, and they should affect the entire global commercial airlines industry.

One, airlines will require at least two people in the cockpit at all times.

The second is that more rigorous mental health screenings of air crews will be conducted by the airlines.

Third, airlines will become more sensitive to issues of mental health and not stigmatize those suffering from them.

These will not help the 149 people killed by the suicidal co-pilot, but they may help the industry bring more safety to their flights, and they may help the flying public feel more secure.

This is not the first suicide by a pilot killing others in the process, but it does bring more attention to the potential of it.

Millions of flyers will not let it be ignored this time.

Gordon Forgey

Publisher