Hindustan Times: Mumbai: Thursday,
October 27, 2016.
An Air India
(AI) pilot, who tested positive for alcohol before operating a flight, will not
be allowed to fly a plane for at least three years. The pilot assigned to
operate a Birmingham-bound flight from Delhi faced the stern action because
this was the second time he tested positive during a mandatory pre-flight
breath check.
An AI
spokesperson confirmed the pilot’s license was suspended for three years. “This
is as good as being grounded for good,” said a retired Boeing captain pointing
at the cumbersome process of keeping oneself flying-fit for such a long period.
On Tuesday,
Jet Airways also benched a pilot for three months failing a similar breath
check. The punishment wasn’t as grave because he was a first-time offender.
“The airline
will take suitable action according to the prescribed guidelines for such
situations and company policy. At Jet Airways, the safety and security of our
guests and staff is of paramount importance.”
Steady rise
in such cases has become a burning safety concern for the aviation regulator.
On October
20, HT had reported that 89 pilots had tested positive for liquor during such
checks between January and June. This meant at least one pilot was caught
reeking of alcohol every second day during the period. The data from the
Directorate General of Civil Aviation in response to a query sent under the
right to information (RTI) act also showed the menace has more than doubled to
186 in 2015 from 69 in 2011.
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