Counter Terror Gazette

Mental Health and Aviation Security: identifying and managing passenger medical disorders

22 Dec 2010

There has been so much focus on the terrorist that we often overlook the very serious threat that a passenger suffering from a mental health issue can pose to commercial aviation. What medical issues might we identify at the airport and how can we best ensure that we enable such passengers to fly whilst safeguarding the industry? Malcolm F. Cheshire investigates. Health, according to the World Health Organisation (1988), is ‘a state of physical, psychological and social wellbeing’. Security, according to Giovanni Manunta (1999) is a ‘function of the presence and interaction of asset protector and threat within a given situation’. Ill health, particularly psychological or mental ill health can, and sometimes does compromise security and, in an aviation context, the consequences can be very serious!  One example of mental ill health is drug misuse and, according to the UK Royal College of Psychiatrists, alcohol (widely served on commercial passenger flights) is our `favourite drug`! Taken responsibly, alcohol contributes to enjoyment, relaxation and social conviviality; however, it is potentially addictive and, when taken in excess can impair judgement and precipitate physical violence. This was the case on 21 October 2010 when a Virgin Atlantic Boeing 747, en route from Orlando to Manchester was forced to make an emergency landing in Newfoundland.  A 44-year-old male passenger was arrested and charged with assault, uttering threats & interfering with aircrew. The flight eventually resumed and later landed safely in Manchester. MORE ONLINE