Growing political pressure to act
On 9 February, representatives of the Federal Ministry of Digital and Transport, the Federal Aviation Office, industry, pilot unions and general aviation associations met in Bonn at the invitation of State Secretary Schnorr. The aim of the meeting was to openly discuss the increasing problems in the field of aeromedical procedures and to develop possible solutions.
The composition of the group of participants showed how serious the situation is considered to be. In addition to representatives from the ministerial level, the professional groups affected were also present. The German Aero Club was represented by its President Claus Cordes.
It had already become clear in advance that the pressure to reform is considerable. In recent months, there have been increasing reports of lengthy referral procedures, unclear decision-making processes and growing frustration within the pilot community.
Economic losses in the millions
The economic dimension of the problem became particularly clear. Representatives of the aviation industry drew attention to the fact that the referral procedures for commercial pilots, which take around four months on average, lead to considerable financial losses. During this time, affected pilots are often unable to carry out their work, which means operational bottlenecks and high costs for airlines and companies.
There was talk of losses in the double-digit millions. In view of the already existing shortage of skilled labour in the cockpit, such delays further exacerbate the situation. Every pilot who is unable to fly means not only a loss of individual income, but also restrictions on companies' deployment planning.
Loss of confidence among pilots
Even more serious than the economic consequences, however, appears to be the loss of trust within the pilot community. Representatives of the Vereinigung Cockpit pilots' union pointed out that many pilots had lost confidence in the LBA's procedures.
It was particularly criticised that the current situation undermines the so-called „reporting honesty“. This principle is a cornerstone of flight safety: pilots should be able to report health problems openly and without fear of disproportionate consequences. However, if the impression is created that reports lead to long, unpredictable procedures, the willingness to be open decreases.
Such a climate has a direct impact on the safety culture. Modern aviation is based on transparency, openness to error and trusting structures between supervisors and licence holders. If this foundation falters, a systemic risk arises.
Frustration among aviation physicians
Clear points of criticism were also voiced by aviation physicians. According to an internal survey, around 90 per cent of aviation physicians feel that their work is not sufficiently valued by the LBA. Many report bureaucratic hurdles, lengthy queries and complex authorisation processes.
The decline in the number of active aviation physicians is already noticeable. At the same time, it is difficult to recruit new talent. Young doctors are shying away from the complex procedures involved in obtaining and maintaining their licence.
The result is a structural problem: fewer aviation physicians mean longer journeys and higher costs for pilots - especially in air sports. Access to aeromedical care is becoming increasingly difficult, especially in rural regions.
Impact on general aviation
The problem not only affects professional pilots, but also general aviation and air sports. Claus Cordes pointed out that young air sportsmen and women who do not receive a medical certificate today due to organisational hurdles or high costs will be lacking as qualified young talent tomorrow.
This means that the issue not only affects individual fates, but also the long-term stability of the entire aviation industry. The promotion of young talent in air sports traditionally forms an important basis for future careers as professional pilots.
In addition, the LBA's practice of sometimes examining medical aspects other than the original reason for referral was criticised. This approach was met with considerable incomprehension by many participants at the round table.
Hope for tangible improvements
Despite the clear criticism, there were signs of confidence. According to Claus Cordes, there is reason to hope that the clear words of those involved and the attention of the ministry could lead to concrete improvements in the short term.
The focus is particularly on:
- Shortening the duration of referrals
- Transparent procedures
- Greater involvement of aeromedical officers
- Restoring confidence in the reporting processes
A sustainable reform of aeromedical structures would not only be important for commercial pilots. General aviation would also benefit in the medium to long term if procedures were made more efficient and comprehensible.
An issue with a European dimension
Aeromedical requirements in Europe are based on the regulations of the European Union Aviation Safety Agency. Although the practical implementation is the responsibility of the national authorities, the discussion in Germany could also attract attention across Europe.
Many countries are currently discussing the modernisation of aeromedical processes, particularly with regard to digitalisation, risk assessment and proportionality. Germany is therefore not isolated, but is part of a larger regulatory context.
Conclusion
The round table at the Ministry of Transport has made it clear that the current situation in aviation medicine is not sustainable. Economic damage, loss of trust and problems with recruiting new talent are creating considerable pressure for reform.
If the announced improvements are actually implemented, this could not only shorten processing times, but also strengthen the safety culture. This would be an important signal for general aviation: efficient, transparent and fair procedures are a central building block for sustainable aviation in Germany.
Source references:
DAEC
