GM1 SPA.HEMS.130(g)(2) Crew requirements

(a) Information for examiners about operational signs of cognitive performance deficits

Cognition encompasses many aspects of intellectual functions and processes such as perception, attention, thought, the formation of knowledge, memory and working memory, judgement and evaluation, reasoning and computation, problem-solving and decision-making, comprehension and production of language. Cognitive processes use existing knowledge and discover new knowledge.

Cognitive decline is considered to begin from 40 years of age. There is large variation in the extent and functional effects of age-related impairment between people of the same age. The most important changes in cognition with normal ageing are declines in performance of cognitive tasks that require one to quickly process or transform information to make a decision, including measures of speed of processing, working memory and executive cognitive function.

(b) Cognitive functions and aviation

The cognitive functions that are generally assumed to impair with increasing age and considered important for the proper performance of all flying tasks are:

(1) problem-solving and decision-making (e.g. diagnosis of faults and defects and taking action);

(2) information processing within a required time frame (e.g. process the information of flight, navigation and engine instruments, primary flight displays, radar, TCAS, radio voice communications, data-link, direct vision, crew member communication, vibrations, noises and smells). With tasks involving both speed and accuracy, older people tend to attach greater importance to accuracy, thereby slowing their speed of response;

(3) perception (e.g. instrument monitoring);

(4) memory (e.g. recall information given by air traffic control);

(5) psychomotor coordination (e.g. flight control).

Signs of cognitive impairment can relate to any or all of the five functions listed above. It is generally accepted that experience can counter cognitive decline in active pilots up to a certain level.

When assessing cognitive function in relation to flight performance during the regular OPCs, the examiner may consider the List of competency elements and performance criteria described in points (g) through (o) of GM1 to Appendix 5 to Annex I (Part-FCL) to Regulation (EU) 1178/2011 with particular focus on the following points:

— attitudes and behaviours appropriate to the safe conduct of flight, including recognising and managing potential threats and errors;

— management of abnormal and emergency situations;

— communication with ATC, ground personnel and crew, and HEMS crew.

Particular attention on the ability to function under highly stressful demands, such as high time pressure, is expected to allow the examiner to detect deficits and refer the respective case to the medical assessor of the licensing authority.