NEW DELHI: Air India has taken action against a female pilot by suspending her for a duration of three months after she failed the pre-flight breath analyser test, as confirmed by an official.
This pilot, serving as a first officer on a Boeing 787 aircraft, reportedly did not pass the test just before she was scheduled to operate a flight from Delhi to Hyderabad.In response to this incident, Air India has grounded her for a period of three months.
Despite this development, Air India refrained from providing any official comment on the matter.
According to the norms laid out by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), all crew members are mandated to undergo pre-flight breath analyser examinations prior to their first departure during a flight duty period.
If any crew member tests positive in these examinations, strict penalties are imposed. In the case of a first-time failure, suspension from flying duties for a duration of three months is the prescribed punishment.
Last year, DGCA revised the norms regarding the medical examination of aircraft personnel with regards to alcohol consumption. The regulations prohibit the consumption of any substance containing alcohol, including mouthwash or tooth gel, which could potentially result in a positive breath analyser test.
“No crew member shall consume any drug/formulation or use any substance such as mouthwash/ tooth gel or any such product which has alcoholic content. This may result into positive breath analyser test. Any crew member who is undergoing such medication shall consult the company doctor before undertaking flying assignment,” as per the regulator.
Additionally, crew members undergoing medication are advised to consult the company doctor before undertaking any flying duties.