Commercial Space Flight

The idea of commercial space flight began in the United States around 1980 with the Space Flight Participant Program (Air and Space Magazine 2009). This program gave people the opportunity to ride aboard shuttle flights into space without specific research goals or government status. The program did not last long and was eventually cancelled following the Challenger explosion (the Challenger was carrying a member of this program). A similar program (developed around ten years ago) was also cancelled following the Columbia explosion. Development of commercial space flight began to decline following the Columbia explosion with a new emphasis on completing the International Space Station. Commercial space flight is now being primarily developed by private companies. There have already been many accomplishments in the industry. There have been successful commercial flights into space despite development problems and increasing regulations.

There has been increasing development of regulations that now govern commercial space flight. This was a direct response to increased interest and development in commercial space flight (the new regulations were added about eight years ago). This includes everything from licensing requirements and application procedures to safety approvals and human requirements. These new regulations are located in Title 14 (Aeronautics and Space) of the Code of Federal Regulations (Federal Aviation Regulations). I feel that these regulations are not very restrictive as of right now but will continue to be developed (or additional regulations will be added) in the near future as more progress is made.

I think commercial space flight will continue to advance on a significant level. There will be regular commercial space flight within the next decade based on current progress and development. I do think that it will eventually be a means of transportation (the aviation industry has advances on a elevated level when compared to other modes of transportation).

The qualifications for a pilot to conduct commercial space flight are not very restrictive at the time (Federal Aviation Administration 2015). The minimum current requirements (according to what I read but was unable to confirm) are a first class medical and an instrument rating. The qualifications should become more restrictive as commercial space flight continues to be developed.

14. (2015). FAR AIM 2015: Federal Aviation Regulations Aeronautical Information Manual. (2015). Federal Aviation Administration.

Air and Space Magazine. (2009, February 1). License to Thrill. Smithsonian. Retrieved September 28 2015.

Pilots and Depression

The specific details of the accident are as follows. The aircraft departed around ten in the morning prior to reaching the assigned cruising altitude. The departure was preceded by a short delay on the ground. The aircraft then descended from the assigned cruising altitude without permission about a half an hour later (about a minute after reaching the assigned cruising altitude). The controller declared the aircraft in distress after losing radar contact with the flight and observing a rapid rate of descent on the radar. The aircraft continued the descent for about ten minutes prior to colliding with the surrounding terrain. The cause of the accident was soon discovered to be intentional. The first officer initiated the constant rate descent after locking the captain out of the flight deck. The first officer had a history of mental illness relating to depression but this was undisclosed to his employer. The first officer had issues relating to mental health prior to this accident which included being treated for both depression and suicidal tendencies while completing his commercial pilot certificate. These treatments resulted in a delayed application process for the first officer at the end of his commercial flight training.
There have been other incidents involving pilots with mental health issues. Another incident relating to mental health occurred a few years ago. This involved a JetBlue pilot who had a mental breakdown during a flight. The flight was forced to make an unscheduled emergency landing as a result. The pilot was subdued and later charged with interfering with the flight crew. The pilot was believed to be taking medication for bipolar disorder or depression.
The mental health of a pilot is currently screened by the Aeronautical Medical Examiner at the renewal of the medical. The Federal Aviation Administration currently requires an airline pilot under the age of 40 to renew their medical every year. A pilot over the age of 40 is required to renew their medical every six months. The applicant is supposed to self report any mental issues prior to the exam on the application. The screening during the exam is not extensive and many mental illnesses go undisclosed (an applicant affected by a disorder or mental health issued does not want to disclose the information because it may result in termination or suspension). This process is not very effective because self disclosing any issue has a negative impact on the pilot. A more extensive screening should be done during the medical exam to completely examine each applicant. A number of different tests could be used to completely screen each applicant prior to the renewal of their medical.
A possible solution would be to allow a pilot to disclose some mental illnesses without penalty. This would allow for a more proactive approach to problem and may permit a diagnosed individual to get the treatment they require without penalty. Allowing a pilot to disclose some issues without penalty would provide problems for both the airlines and the Federal Aviation Administration. Allowing a pilot to remain employed with certain mental health issues will cause unrest among the public. The challenge to the Federal Aviation Administration and airlines would be determining what level of mental health would be acceptable.

Sources
Clark N & Bilefsky D. (2015 March 25). Germanwings Pilot was Locked Out of Cockpit Before Crash. Retrieved September 19 2015.
Faiola A. (2015 June 12). Germanwings Pilot Was Not Fit to Fly. The Washington Post. Retrieved September 19 2015.

Personal Introduction

I am in the Aviation Flight Technology Program here at Eastern Michigan University. I am currently in my last semester here and am in the process of completing my commercial pilot certificate. I have been interested in aviation from a young age. I started flying at American Wings Aviation in high school before enrolling in the aviation program here. I currently have both my private pilot certificate and instrument rating.
I am planning on becoming a flight instructor at Eagle Flight Center upon completion of the program. I am planning on applying for Envoy Air (operating as American Eagle) upon reaching the Airline Transport Pilot minimums as an instructor. I had the opportunity to work for American Eagle over the summer where I was able to develop many contacts. I am planning on eventually upgrading to American following employment at Envoy Air.
I have always had an interest in military aviation as well. This is another option for me. This is an area where I would like to hear more about.
I am interested in a number of aviation topics. I have always had an interest in automation in aviation. I am also interested in aviation technology primarily with the military.