Safe Haven provides New Zealand’s pilots and air traffic controllers (ATC) with a confidential space to seek advice about health conditions that may affect their ability to safely fly or operate.
The initiative is designed to build trust, reduce fear of loss of licence or career, and encourage aviation professionals to engage with healthcare early.
Safe Haven is a joint, co-funded collaboration between the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and the New Zealand Air Line Pilots’ Association (NZALPA), with wider aviation sector support, including from the Aviation Industry Association (AIANZ).
Governed by an independent Safe Haven Trust Board, the programme operates at arm’s length from the CAA, with disclosure to the regulator only in exceptional circumstances where there is a significant risk to aviation safety.
Specially trained Medical Examiners in Safe Haven (MESHs), delegated by the Director of Civil Aviation, will provide confidential support, referrals, and make decisions on participants’ ability to continue working or flying.
Where grounding is necessary, MESHs will work with participants to support a safe return to duty.
Participants will still meet their legal obligations under the Civil Aviation Act to disclose any changes in their medical conditions, and they will retain the same rights to review or appeal medical decisions as under the current system.
