The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), an aviation regulator, has stated that it will be imposing stricter breathalyser tests on its pilots as a requirement to check for blood alcohol levels. Repeat offences of positive test results can result in the cancellation of pilots’ licences, and the new tests under extreme revision are stated to be stricter than ever, DGCA states.
Breath analyser to become stricter
Revisions came into effect on Feb. 9, FATA (Foreign Aircrew Temporary Authorisation) for a pilot operating in India, which will be cancelled and not considered again if the crew tests positive for alcohol consumption. On three separate occasions, if a pilot fails the breath analyser, they will get their licence revoked. In September last year, the DGCA proposed changes to procedures for pre-flight tests. This comes after Air India fined by DGCA over rules violation, that has led up to stricter rules and regulations to be set in place.
The new revised DGCA states:
“For blood alcohol content levels reaching up to 0.009% for the first time, the crew shall be off roster and subjected to counselling.”
Suspension of licences if failed breath analyser test
According to the new rules, a pilot will face suspension of his or her license if the second time pre-flight breath analyser test is found positive, or they have missed a breath analyser test the second time. This would result in a three year suspension of the license. Blood level is not the sole determinant of flying safety after drinking. It could be that blood levels are zero but they can show symptoms of a hangover which would impair their performance.
That is why there is 12 hours of abstinence from alcohol before flying. If a crew member operates a flight without undergoing the pre-flight breath analyser examination the chief of operations of the airline needs to ensure that the post flight breath analyser is carried out at the first port of landing.
False breath analyser tests will allow the pilots to continue to their operations on their remaining sectors, and this will be reported to DGCA.
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