Global Challenges in Pilot Health: An Examination of Differences in Healthcare Management Strategies Between the USA and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)

Abstract

This bachelor thesis investigates global challenges in pilot health by comparing healthcare management strategies in aviation between the United States (USA) and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. It examines differences in medical certification procedures, access to healthcare services, mental health support, fatigue management, and the influence of cultural and regulatory factors. A mixed-methods approach was employed, comprising a systematic literature review and twelve expert interviews with aviation medical professionals: pilots, and regulatory officials from both regions. The findings reveal significant disparities, particularly in mental health support, with structured initiatives like the Human Intervention Motivation Study (HIMS) more established in the USA, while stigma and employment concerns hinder similar developments in the GCC. Variations also emerged in the availability of specialized aviation medical facilities and the implementation of Fatigue Risk Management Systems (FRMS). The USA’s decentralized system allows greater flexibility, whereas the GCC’s centralized model tends to be more rigid. Based on both literature and empirical evidence, the thesis recommends harmonization of mental health screening practices and fatigue management strategies. These insights are valuable for policymakers, airlines, and regulatory bodies aiming to enhance pilot well-being and, consequently, aviation safety worldwide.