Abstract The aim of this research was to determine how an independent medical ombudsman set up to arbitrate UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) medical appeals would impact on the levels of perceived clarity, transparency, fairness, and logic of the overall CAA medical appeals process. 24 in-depth interviews carried out in 2021 with a mix of stakeholders including Pilots, Air Traffic Controllers (ATC), Cabin Crew, Aeromedical Examiners (AMEs) and Safety Specialists gathered qualitative evidence on the current CAA medical appeals process compared with published evidence on medical appeals processes overseen by other major aviation regulators, namely the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA - US), and the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA - Australia). Stakeholders were then asked to give their views on the possible impact of creating an independent medical ombudsman to arbitrate the CAA medical appeals process. The results revealed compelling evidence that the current CAA process is not as clear, fair, or transparent as it could be with only 21% stating yes to all three elements, lower than views on the currently published CASA and FAA processes, with 83% and 75% supporting them as they are respectively. The easy-to-follow approach of CASA, and its many independent options along with the ability for individuals to make a Statement of Demonstrated Ability (SODA) as part of the FAA process were standout features of the international comparators. The idea of an independent medical ombudsman received high levels of support from respondents (91% in favour) due to its perceived impact on introducing more independence and transparency into the current UK CAA process. The findings of this study support the case for an independent arbitrator of the CAAs medical appeals process, which would align well with the organisation's critical work around Just Culture.

    Highlights Views of 24 stakeholders, representing 48 different job roles were obtained as part of a semi-structured interview process in the year 2021. There was largely consensual support for an independent review body as an additional stage of the UK CAA medical appeals process. Upon reviewing Australian and American medical appeals processes, most participants felt there was a higher level of fairness than the UK CAA system. It was felt that an IMO stage would align with the UK CAAs critical work around Just Culture, with caveats about how best to implement such a mechanism.


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    Titel :

    A critical analysis of the UK Civil Aviation Authority’s medical appeals process: Assessing the need for an independent medical ombudsman


    Beteiligte:
    Penning, J. (Autor:in) / Warnock-Smith, D. (Autor:in)

    Erschienen in:

    Transport Policy ; 129 ; 188-203


    Erscheinungsdatum :

    2022-09-21


    Format / Umfang :

    16 pages




    Medientyp :

    Aufsatz (Zeitschrift)


    Format :

    Elektronische Ressource


    Sprache :

    Englisch




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