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World airlines change cockpit rules

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Airlines have begun changing their flying rules so that two pilots are always present in the cockpit. The new measures come following the Germanwings crash in the French Alps in which 150 people died. The quick response from airlines is because of the news that the co-pilot deliberately crashed the plane. Reports are that he locked the pilot out of the cockpit and headed the aircraft for a mountain. Britain's Monarch Airlines said having two pilots in the cockpit would now be on all its flights. Cabin crew will also regularly enter the cockpit during the flight to check on the pilots.

Airlines are also thinking about screening the mental health of pilots more. The media reports that the Germanwings co-pilot was depressed. He suffered from depression and 'burnout' seven years ago. His boss said he had to take several months off work and then retrain to join the company. The boss said he was "100 per cent fit to fly". During the final moments of Flight 9525, the pilot went to the toilet and was locked out of the cockpit. There was "absolute silence" in the cockpit as the co-pilot directed the plane into the mountain.