DGCA mulling new test for tipsy pilots, cabin crew
The civil aviation regulator also wants crew to be grounded as soon as they land, if they operate a flight by skipping the test.
Moneycontrol News
To keep a check on tipsy crew, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is planning to introduce pre-flight breath analyser (BA) tests for pilots and cabin crew members at transit points. This will be done if the crew leaves the plane to go to the terminal building before operating the next leg of the flight, a report in The Times of India said.
The civil aviation regulator also wants crew to be grounded as soon as they land, if they operate a flight by skipping the test.
Upon failing the test, the pilots or crew members' licence could be suspended for three years. If the same individual fails the pre-flight and the post-flight BA test both, his or her licence could be suspended for four years.
Currently, the punishment for the first and second time is suspension of licence for three months and three years, respectively. A failure for the third time leads to licence cancellation.
The DGCA has issued draft rules which are aimed at addressing concerns raised by crew members following some instances of drunken pilots and cabin crew failing tests.
Certain crews have also claimed that the equipment currently being used for the breath analyser (BA) tests catch alcohol content from their aftershave, perfume, cough syrup and homeopathic medicines.
For this, the DGCA will take the test on alternate equipment, provided the crew submits in writing a request for the same, the report said.
