New Delhi: For the safety of air passengers, the government is considering making major changes in the rules of dope testing of pilots. In the current system, 10 per cent of the pilots of the airlines are dope tested, but now the government is considering the proposal to test all the pilots at least once a year. The Ministry of Civil Aviation and DGCA are assessing the feasibility, safety and operational impact of this proposal. This exercise has been intensified after the turbulence incident in Air India’s Phuket-Delhi flight.
What is the current rule for dope test of pilots?
Under current rules, airlines have to conduct psychoactive substance tests on 10 per cent of their pilots. The government is now considering the possibility of increasing this limit to 100 per cent. Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu has also said that the government wants every pilot to be tested, but the timing of testing should not be fixed in advance and it should be done in a random manner.
What is the challenge in getting all the pilots tested?
DGCA is currently looking at what impact regular testing of all pilots will have on aviation operations. Testing a large number of pilots will require additional resources, testing arrangements and time. While giving priority to security, the government is also ensuring that the new system does not cause unnecessary problems in the operation of flights.
Why did the strictness increase after Air India’s Phuket-Delhi flight?
On August 4, Air India flight AI2379 coming from Phuket to Delhi was in the news after suddenly facing a change in altitude of about 300 feet. The Airbus A320 aircraft was carrying 137 passengers and eight crew members. The government has informed that 20 passengers and four cabin crew members were injured during the incident. The plane later stabilised and reached Delhi safely.
What was revealed in the pilot’s test?
After the incident, mandatory psychoactive substance test of both pilots of the aircraft was conducted. According to sources, the initial test of the aircraft commander was demanding further confirmation. After this the sample was sent to the designated laboratory, where upon confirmation, the presence of marijuana was found in it. Both pilots have been removed from flying duty until the investigation into the incident is completed.
Has a link been proven between turbulence phenomena and test reports?
At present, there is no conclusion that the turbulence incident was related to the substance detected in the pilot’s test. Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has asked to avoid drawing conclusions on the basis of any single piece of information before the investigation is completed. The agency is examining all the evidence related to technical, operational, medical and humanitarian aspects.
Has Air India also increased the testing of its pilots?
After the Phuket-Delhi flight incident, Air India has also decided to conduct mandatory screening of all its pilots. According to internal information of the company, the pilots will be tested for substances and medicines which are banned under the current aviation rules. In such a situation, the possible arrangement of regular dope tests for all pilots by the central government can further tighten the rules of aviation safety.
