The rules related to breath analyzer test have been made more strict for pilots. Under the new rules, the licenses of pilots who repeatedly violate the rules can be cancelled. Aviation safety regulator Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has taken this step. According to sources, the revised rules have come into effect from February 9. Under this, the FATA i.e. Foreign Aircrew Temporary Authorization of foreign pilots flying in India will also be canceled if they are found guilty of alcohol consumption in the pre-flight breath analyzer test. In such cases they will not be allowed again.
License canceled if found positive three times
According to the new provisions, if a pilot is found positive in the breath analyzer test three times before a flight, his license will be cancelled. In September last year, the DGCA had proposed changes to civil aviation requirements related to the process of pre- and post-flight medical examination for crew members.
Moderately positive for the first time
As per the revised rules, if the confirmatory breath analyzer reading is found to be up to 0.009% BAC (Blood Alcohol Content) or mg/dl for the first time, the crew concerned will be removed from the duty roster and will undergo counselling. In case of scheduled operators, counseling will be done by the Chief Medical Officer and Chief of Flight Safety. In case of other operators, this responsibility will be of the Accountable Manager and Chief of Flight Safety/CFI. All such cases will be reported to DGCA, although it will not be recorded on the crew’s license.
Suspension on positive for the second time
If a pilot tests positive for a second time in a pre-flight test, or is positive once and misses a test a second time, his license will be suspended. If found positive in a post-flight breath analyzer test or misses a test, the license/approval may be suspended for up to three years.
12 hour mandatory interval
DGCA said flight safety does not depend only on blood alcohol level. Sometimes a person’s blood alcohol level may be zero, but his ability to function may still be affected due to a ‘hangover’. For this reason, it is mandatory to abstain from alcohol for at least 12 hours before a flight. The effects of heavy alcohol consumption can last up to 48 to 72 hours. Airlines can enforce even stricter rules under their safety management system.
Rules on flights coming from abroad
For flights coming from outside India, this rule will be applicable after landing in India. At the same time, for flights coming from abroad and transiting in India, the operator will have to ensure pre-flight medical facilities at the departure point. If a crew member operates a flight without a pre-flight breath analyzer test, the airline’s Chief of Operations and the concerned crew must first conduct a post-flight test at the landing port. If the report comes negative, then he can be allowed for further flights and this information will have to be informed to DGCA.
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