New Delhi: Two pilots of leading Indian airlines failed dope tests this week, becoming the first aviation personnel to do so since India started testing flight crew and air traffic controllers for psychoactive substance on a random basis starting January 31, 2022.
As this is the first time they have failed the test, the two are being sent for de-addiction or rehabilitation. After undergoing the programme successfully, they can return to work with a negative dope test and a fitness certificate from their airline doctor.
“The two pilots failed the dope test in the last 4-5 days. As per protocol, their urine samples underwent a confirmatory test after the initial test was positive. The samples were sent abroad for the confirmatory test. Due to sensitivity and privacy issues and the stigma attached, the identity of the pilots and the two prominent Indian airlines they work for is not being disclosed,” said people aware of the development. Comments were sought from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and awaited till the time of publishing story.
While breath analyser (BA) tests to ensure aviation personnel are sober when they report for work are being conducted for several years, the DGCA had for the first time made dope tests mandatory for pilots, cabin crew and air traffic controllers (ATCOs) earlier this year. At least 10% of these personnel in an organisation have to undergo dope test annually.
Those failing the test first time, have to successfully undergo de-addiction/rehabilitation and are then allowed to resume duty. Those failing second time, will have their license suspended for three years. And failing for third time will mean licence cancellation.
31/07/22 Saurabh Sinha/Times of India
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