The Growing Importance of Aviation Psychology
Aviation psychology has come into the focus of attention since we combined the best of two worlds: aviation and psychology. The properties and dynamics of aerial transport demand a field of psychology that deals specifically with its particularities and therefore requires deep expertise in human factors and in the challenges placed upon pilots. This is essential for modern flight crew selection and overall aviation safety.
Regulatory Framework: CAT.GEN.MPA.175(b) and Operator Responsibility
For the European Union, the Civil Aviation Authorities (CAA), together with the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), define the regulatory environment but leave responsibility for compliance to the operator.
According to a statement from the German CAA dated March 8, 2024, aviation authorities do not formally provide accreditation for an aviation psychologist. Operators and service providers must therefore follow guidance to ensure compliance with CAT.GEN.MPA.175(b).
This regulation requires that a psychological assessment must be validated and directly performed or overseen by a psychologist with aviation-relevant knowledge and expertise in psychological assessment and, where possible, in the psychological selection of aviation personnel.
Accepted Standards: EAAP Accreditation and IATA Guidance
In the March 2024 statement, the German CAA acknowledges that EAAP accreditation is widely accepted as academic expertise for aviation psychology.
However, AMC1 CAT.GEN.MPA.175(b)(1) also requires full documentation of the methods used for the psychological assessment. GM1 further highlights the IATA Pilot Aptitude Testing (Edition 3) as established industry guidance for conducting and structuring assessments.
Even with these standards, each operator must still formally document its own assessment process to ensure EASA compliance.
Submission Requirements and Quality Standards
It is the aviation psychologist’s responsibility to ensure that all assessments follow scientific quality criteria and academic standards.
However, the operator remains accountable for regulatory compliance. A CAA statement issued on February 23, 2024, clarified that an operator’s selection manual does not require prior approval but must be submitted before its first use. The national authority may later accept or reject the described procedures or any of their components.
Volando’s Comprehensive Support for Flight Crew Selection
With Volando, operators receive both a comprehensive selection handbook and access to experienced aviation psychology personnel.
Our approach:
• Meets or exceeds academic and professional standards
• Aligns fully with established industry norms, including the IATA Pilot Aptitude Testing guidance
• Ensures full compliance with CAT.GEN.MPA.175(b) and all associated EASA requirements
• Provides operationally practical and scientifically robust psychological assessment procedures
• Our aviation psychologists are certified according to the EAAP (European Association for Aviation Psychology) and DIN 33430, ensuring adherence to validated psychometric principles
This combination ensures that an operator’s flight crew selection process is both professional and efficient — designed to match regulatory expectations and operational realities.
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