Drugs and Alcohol Management Programme (DAMP) in New Zealand Aviation. An Evaluation

Seminar paper from the year 2021 in the subject Health - Miscellaneous, grade: A+, , language: English, abstract: This paper evaluates the Drugs and Alcohol Management Programme (DAMP) in New Zealand aviation. Alcohol, medication and drugs are among the most common medical causes of worldwide fatal commercial air transport aircraft accidents. Recent evidence from alcohol and drugs testing programmes of aviation safety-critical workers has demonstrated positive rates at levels that have warranted an increase in testing.

Often, alcoholism and drug usage are undiscovered, unrecognized, and unreported. Aviation is no different and it has been estimated that alcohol abuse and dependence affect approximately five to eight percent of all pilots. Maintenance personnel, cabin crew and management are similarly affected. Given such an impact, it is not surprising that serious consideration has been given to preventative and remedial measures.