By now just about everyone has heard about the JetBlue passenger who is suing the airline because the pilot forced him to spend three hours in the bathroom because apparantly a flight attendant found her jump-seat a little too uncomfortable and wanted his seat. You just can’t make this stuff up and I hope he gets every penny he’s suing for.
But what I don’t hear anyone talking about, and what worries me even more than the emotional damage for which this passenger is partially suing is what the psychological state of an airline pilot who who would direct such an action. Someone with such impaired judgment, with an obvious inability to make a rational and good decision should NOT be piloting a plane. It seems very unlikely that in a crisis he would make a decision in the best interest of the passengers I certainly wouldn’t want him in charge of my life! Would you? It makes me wonder what JetBlue–perhaps the entire airline industry–does to ensure the mental stability of its pilots. Up there they’re in charge. This incident demonstrates that having a mentally unstable person in charge can be dangerous. This time only one person was negatively impacted. Next time, who knows–it could be deadly. So do pilots take psychological tests? Does someone make sure that they’re stable, clear thinking, emotionally healthy people. Their job is unlike any other. In most other situations if someone isn’t happy with how they’re being treated they can just walk away. Not so when you’re flying. Along with a pilot’s physical health, their emotional health should be paramount. Is it? I wonder!
