No, we do not share any data with your employer! We treat your request with strict confidentiality. It is important for you to know: our psychological and psychotherapeutic counseling team is bound by medical confidentiality, and the unauthorized disclosure of patient information is strictly punishable by law.
Ideally, you have a relationship of trust with your aviation medical examiner. The AntiSkid program is well-known among aviation medical examiners throughout Germany. Therefore, there is generally no reason to hide your participation. In the AntiSkid program, peers, aviation medical examiners, and psychological and medical specialists work closely together to provide you with the best possible support.
Yes. Pilots are legally required—if necessary, in consultation with their aviation medical examiner—to report all notifiable medical conditions to the LBA. However, this does not automatically mean that your employer will be informed. The departments at the LBA are also bound by confidentiality. In such cases, anonymized entries, such as "SIC," are used in your medical records.
Every program is tailored to the individual. Typically, this includes regular sessions with an outpatient psychotherapist, group meetings with other affected pilots, and close contact with a dedicated peer supporter. In cases of significant psychological distress, a multi-week inpatient stay may also be necessary.
The initial meeting is an opportunity for us to get to know you and answer your questions. You will discuss your situation with AntiSkid staff, and together you will determine what kind of support makes sense for you. All conversations are strictly confidential. Information will only be shared if you explicitly consent to it.
Participating in the AntiSkid program does not automatically lead to the loss of your medical certificate. According to EASA regulations, an individual assessment is conducted to determine whether a mental health condition affects your fitness to fly. If it does, your medical certification may be temporarily restricted. However, it can be regained following successful treatment and a psychiatric evaluation. AntiSkid provides guidance and support throughout this entire process.
No. You are welcome to seek anonymous advice. You do not need to provide your name when calling the hotline.
No. After a conversation with two of our peers and, if desired, a subsequent initial assessment by our team of psychological experts, you will receive feedback regarding the presence of psychological stress or a potential mental health condition. We will provide you with all the information about the AntiSkid program and the consequences of participation, so that you can freely decide how you would like to proceed.
The AntiSkid program is a peer support program run by pilots for pilots. For flight attendants, there is a comparable peer support program called "Safety Belt." In all other areas, the respective disciplinary supervisors are the first point of contact.
When in doubt, always speak to the person concerned. The smell of alcohol may indicate a blood alcohol level of at least 0.05%. In such a situation, they should not fly until the matter has been clearly resolved—for example, through a blood test. Knowingly allowing someone to fly under the influence of alcohol or drugs can also be a criminal offense.
If the person concerned then calls in sick, they can contact the AntiSkid program.
When in doubt, speak to the person concerned and encourage them to contact AntiSkid. Often, an open conversation is all it takes to make the first step easier. If you have questions or are unsure, you can also reach out to us. AntiSkid also provides advice and support to family members, friends, and other people close to the individual.
In EU Regulation 1178/2011 (Part-MED, including MED.B.055 and MED.B.060), EASA defines the conditions under which pilots are considered fit to fly. Mental health conditions or substance abuse can impair fitness to fly and therefore require an individual aeromedical assessment.
The AntiSkid program supports affected pilots on their path back to flight duty. Treatment and assessment are based on regulatory requirements and establish the conditions necessary for regaining medical fitness to fly.
EASA regulation (specifically CAT.GEN.MPA.215) requires airlines in Europe to provide pilots with easy and rapid access to a support program for psychological issues that may affect their fitness to fly. The AntiSkid Peer Support Program meets these requirements.
The AntiSkid Foundation is the sponsor of the program. Professional and organizational implementation is carried out by Mental Care AntiSkid GmbH in collaboration with peers and the psychological specialist team.
What constitutes a risky level of alcohol consumption depends on factors such as age, gender, body weight, and general health. As a general guideline, the German Center for Addiction Issues (DHS) recommends drinking as little as possible, or ideally, no alcohol at all. Even small amounts can increase the risk of health problems.
Pilots are subject to particularly high standards, as even small amounts of alcohol can impair concentration and reaction time, which in turn can threaten aviation safety. Consequently, alcohol abuse and alcohol dependence lead to a (temporary) loss of medical fitness to fly. However, after successful treatment and a specialized psychiatric assessment, medical fitness can be regained. AntiSkid supports those affected throughout this process.
Addiction is a condition where the craving for a specific substance or behavior becomes so intense that it becomes difficult to control. This can involve substances like alcohol or medication, but also behaviors such as gambling.
Anyone can develop an addiction. The earlier warning signs are recognized, the better the chances for successful treatment.
