Peer Support Program Consulting & Training

Since the first peer-to-peer pilot assistance programs were implemented at commercial airlines in the 1980s, these programs have continued to gain popularity as their benefits are realized. Programs like Critical Incident Stress Management, Professional Standards, HIMS, and more recently mental health support, have optimized health, maintained careers, and saved the lives of countless professional pilots throughout the world.

Having the support and availability of a licensed Mental Health Professional (MHP) that is also an aviation subject matter expert (SME) ensures that peer support volunteers, the pilots they assist, and the overall integrity of the program operates safely, efficiently and effectively. Regular consultation between program leadership/peer-support volunteers and a licensed MHP/SME significantly mitigates the risks that accompany peer support programs. Some examples of common consultation services include:

Regular case review
Case escalation assistance requiring professional intervention
Assistance with peer volunteer selection

Initial and recurrent training of volunteers
Overall program development
Protected data collection management services

Contact LiftAffect to discuss how we can support your peer support program.

Lessons We’ve Learned Assisting Peer-Support Programs

Since the German Wings tragedy there has been increased attention on the need for pilot assistance programs that focus on the mental health of professional pilots. A few airlines have implemented these programs, others are in the planning stages of creating them. Having assisted several airlines at various stages of program implementation and daily operations, LiftAffect has realized several important lessons from our experience.

One of the most important factors in successfully implementing and maintaining a peer program that supports pilots with their mental health is largely determined by the level of understanding of mental health problems that pilots face and the role that these programs have in contributing to their solution. Providing accurate, comprehensive, and ongoing support and training for peer program leaders and volunteers is crucial for the success and longevity of your program.
Although many issues that pilots present with can be successfully resolved through the assistance of a trained peer-support volunteer, many cannot. It is essential that program volunteers have well-defined referral thresholds and a trusted place to refer pilots for professional help. Too many programs fall short in this area. Often program volunteers fail to direct pilots to proper resources, or the volunteers inadvertently direct pilots to resources that ultimately harm the pilot. Employee Assistance Programs (EAP’s) are not a viable resource for professional pilots. LiftAffect can provide a Pilot-Dedicated Assistance Program for your organization.
As with all peer-to-peer support programs, the proper selection, training, experience level and skill level of the program volunteers are significant factors in the overall success of the program. These aspects are especially true regarding programs of this type, due the high liability and associated risks.
One of the most neglected factors in peer-to-peer programs are the volunteers themselves. It is vital that the peers assisting the pilots have access to the necessary resources and support as the risk of compassion fatigue (“burnout”) is high among this type of program volunteer.