Air Navigation and Transport Act 2022
Crew peer support programmes | ||
77. The Act of 1993 is amended by the insertion of the following section after section 65: | ||
“65B. (1) (a) Subject to paragraph (b), the company shall, at such times as it may determine, conduct a review of the effectiveness of airline provisions concerning crew peer support programmes. | ||
(b) The company shall, not later than 12 months after the commencement of section 76 of the Air Navigation and Transport Act 2022, conduct a review. | ||
(c) The company shall publish on the company’s website a report on the results of a review. | ||
(d) A review shall consider the following: | ||
(i) the use of the programme by pilots; | ||
(ii) the pilots’ perception of the programme; | ||
(iii) the protection of confidentiality; | ||
(iv) the promotion, by accountable managers of recognised organisations of aircraft crew members, of the use of the programme and trust in it; | ||
(v) the access and referral to professional advice as necessary, including referral to mental and psychological health professionals; | ||
(vi) confidential arrangements for the temporary cessation of duty; | ||
(vii) the process for returning to work; | ||
(viii) resourcing; | ||
(ix) accessibility, including online access; | ||
(x) the selection and training of peers; | ||
(xi) the independence of peers from management or supervisory functions or any other conflict of interest. | ||
(e) In conducting a review, the company shall seek the direct feedback of pilots and other stakeholders, at the same time protecting the confidentiality of all information provided. | ||
(2) Any deficiencies or opportunities for improvement identified by the company in the course of a review shall be dealt with directly through the company’s oversight programme or through the State Plan for Aviation Safety, as applicable. | ||
(3) Nothing in this section shall be construed to prejudice the generality of Commission Regulation (EU) No. 965/2012 of 5 October 20123 laying down technical requirements and administrative procedures related to air operations pursuant to Regulation (EC) No. 216/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council. | ||
(4) In this section— | ||
‘programme’ means a crew peer support programme referred to in subsection (1)(a); | ||
‘review’ means a review referred to in subsection (1)(a).”. | ||