38 Pilots And 113 Crew Members Tested Positive For Alcohol

Each day, there are a thousand flights which carry more than million people. India, which is one of the world’s largest aviation market has to ensure that the pilots in the cockpits are sober.

Though the cases of drunk piloting are rare because pilots know that their profession is heavily monitored, there are still some cases where pilots have tested positive for alcohol before taking off.

In a pre-flight medical examination conducted between January 1 to October 31, 2016, 113 cabin crew members and 38 pilots tested positive for alcohol consumption. The detailed procedure for the tests can be found here.

Action has been taken against such individuals, and their license has been suspended by Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). Also, the concerned flights have grounded these pilots and cabin crew.

As per the Aircraft Rules, consumption of alcohol or anything intoxicating is strictly prohibited in aircraft by pilot, navigator, commander, engineer, operating member or cabin crew. The Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju said that 15 irregularities by airlines had been reported to DGCA in two years prompting them to take strong actions against the airlines and the pilots, as reported by The Times of India.

Not much more has been revealed by the Civil Aviation Minister in the report except that airlines should strictly adhere to conducting the breath analyser check.