Flydubai attack raises questions about pilot background checks
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox
Much remains unclear about the motive for the flydubai attack on Sept 30, which is the subject of an international investigation.
REUTERS
Michael Levenson
A violent cockpit attack by a co-pilot on a flydubai plane this week raised questions not only about his motivations, but also about whether he might have evaded the background checks that most commercial airline pilots must undergo.
Aviation experts noted that pilots undergo physical and mental health screenings and criminal background checks, but said those measures may go only so far in identifying pilots who have become radicalised or who try to hide their mental health issues.