Taking a lesson from the Germanwings plane crash--reportedly caused by its co-pilot-- the directorate general of civil aviation (DGCA) is planning to upgrade the mental health assessment of aspiring pilots, thus making the entire process more stringent.

The DGCA is planning to implement a three-phase monitoring process. Sources from the aviation regulator reveal that the psyche of the aspirants will be checked in the first phase itself. Only after clearing certain level of checks the student will be allowed to join any flying school.

The second level of mental assessment would take place when the students after coming out of a flying school will apply for a license. The official said that on the second level the DGCA will do a thorough check of the mental well-being of the aspirant.

A third level of assessment will be done by the airlines offering jobs.

At present, the psychometric tests are conducted while selecting a pilot. But from now onwards it will be made compulsory for all airlines to conduct psychometric tests beside other tests.

While the DGCA is planning to bring changes in the selection process, pilot fraternity has a lot to share. A senior Air India pilot says, “We feel pride in flying the national carrier, but that will not suffice and fulfill the needs of my family. There have been many instances when we are not paid for months. How does the DGCA expect us to carry no worries.”