Counseling and other related services are provided an aviation psychologist to airline pilots and flight crews. Many major airlines require their pilots to meet with these specialists on a regular basis to discuss any issues, anxieties, or job-related stress. A military aviation psychologist spends a lot of time counseling fighter pilots and helping them work through the trauma of combat. In the event of air crashes, terror threats, or other disasters, psychologists are usually on hand to counsel all victims, but especially staff members.
Although an aviation psychologist can work in a variety of settings, nearly all professionals receive the same training and perform similar tasks. The primary responsibility of the psychologist is to ensure the safety and well-being of those who operate aircraft. Individual counseling and group therapy are frequently used in this setting.
Even with advanced technology and autopilot capabilities, piloting a plane is a stressful job that requires a lot of concentration. Commercial airlines owe it to their customers to hire pilots who are not only physically fit but also mentally alert. Anxiety, stress, and frustration can cause a pilot to perform poorly, potentially resulting in disaster. Airlines support their pilots in a variety of ways, one of which is providing access to aviation psychology services.
The responsibilities of an aviation psychologist are numerous in this context. First and foremost, they must create a secure environment in which they can offer advice to airline executives. They must also work to establish a rapport with the employees who will be performing their duties. This necessitates the aviation psychologist taking the time to get to know each patient and asking questions about both work-related and personal concerns. To effectively help a patient manage stress and avoid job-taxing conflict, doctors typically need to have a comprehensive understanding of the patient.
A psychologist may also be in charge of organizing support groups or group counseling sessions for similarly situated employees, depending on airline needs. These types of programs may be required on a regular basis, but they are especially beneficial after a traumatic event, such as a crash, a security threat, or the death of a crew member. Each affected professional will be assisted an aviation psychologist in processing the trauma. He or she may also be in charge of assessing employees individually to ensure that they are mentally fit to return to work after a traumatic event.
In the military, aviation psychologist jobs are similar, though the training requirements are often more specialized. Fighter pilots, especially those who are in active combat, face a unique set of mental challenges. Pilots in armed forces units all over the world are typically required to attend regular therapy sessions with specially trained aviation psychologists to process the stresses of their jobs and to reduce anxiety. Certifications in post-traumatic stress disorder and military family counseling are common requirements for aviation psychologists in this field.