ABSTRACT
This chapter describes the concepts pertaining to the competent practice of aeromedical psychology and provides as an example current efforts in South Africa to implement and provides specialized training and certification. Roles of aeromedical psychologists can be conceptualized as broaching two components: initial selection and continued flying. The basic requirements to work as a psychologist are insufficient for psychologists working with any specialized population. The need for formal aeromedical psychology training has been recognized and is in preparation in various guises. Aviation Medical Examiners (AMEs) and flight surgeons enter into the domain of aviation medicine once they have identified their interest in the field, after qualifying as a medical practitioner. Usually, general practitioners who are interested in aviation medicine undertake a basic AME course. A certificate course in Aviation Psychology has been designed which has as an initial component the presentation of a theoretical introduction to aviation medicine, addressing those sub-disciplines particularly pertinent to aviation.
