News Analysis India

Tag: drug test

  • DGCA to carry out random test on aviation staff for drug misuse from February 2022

    Express News Service

    NEW DELHI: To curb the possible use of psychoactive substances by aviation personnel, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation has asked all scheduled commercial aircraft operators to carry out, random drug testing on flight crew members and air traffic controllers.

    DGCA has said that the rules will be effective from January 31, 2022 and it will be applicable to aircraft operators engaged in commercial operations, maintenance and repair organisations, flying training organisations and air navigation service providers.

    It said that this programme will ensure that at least 10 per cent of the employees of an organization are covered in a year.

    While the aviation regulator already examines aviation personnel by breath analysers before they commence for flight duties, a senior official said the move is to ensure the safety of passengers and aircraft.

    “The worldwide spread of use of psychoactive substances, their general availability and the ever-increasing number of addicted users is a serious concern to aviation safety. Their use causes behavioural, cognitive and physiological changes. This manifests in dependence, major health related issues and negative effect on performance,” said the DGCA in a fresh civil aviation requirement (CAR) issued on Monday.

    All the positive cases will be reported to DGCA within 24 hours.  If the screening test is non-negative, the employee will be immediately removed from duty till a confirmatory report is received. In case of first positive confirmatory test, the employee will be referred for de-addiction programme.

    In case such a person is again caught in the confirmatory test, license will be suspended for three years. License will be cancelled if it is third positive case. If a person refuses to undergo the test, he will be removed from duties until clearing drug testing profile within a period of 48 hours. 

  • Aviation sector divided over drug test proposal by DGCA

    Express News Service

    BENGALURU: The proposal by the Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to launch random testing of aviation personnel for consumption of psychoactive substances has left the aviation sector divided. While the managements involved have given a thumbs-up, airline staff insist that it puts them under unnecessary pressure and suspicion. 

    The Civil Aviation Requirement (CAR) order was put up on its website on August 25 for feedback from all stakeholders, before it was made official.  The personnel will be tested for the following substances — Amphetamine, Methamphtamine, Cannabis, Cocaine, Opioids, Barbiturates, Benzodizipine, MMDA or Ecstasy. The order recommends mandatory testing of 5% of flight crew members, air traffic controllers, aircraft maintenance engineers, certifying staff, trainee pilots as well as instructors and examiners.

    DGCA Director Arun Kumar told TNIE, “Testing for psychoactive substances is a common practice abroad. It is time we introduce it here too, as consumption of drugs is on the rise in the country. So we plan to introduce it bearing safety of public in mind.”

    AAI Director at Belagavi, Rajesh Kumar Maurya, welcomed the move, saying it “a good one” which will enhance the safety of passengers.” The owner of a flying school too has welcomed it, saying, “It is very important from the point of passenger safety. However, those checking it must adopt the right method, and the process should not harass pilots and other staff.” 

    Will add to stress: Capt Retired airline instructor pilot Capt Mohan Ranganathan says it will put pilots under additional pressure in the present circumstances. Drawing a parallel with the breathalysers tests being done at present, he recalled a top official of an airline getting caught and getting away with it. “There are always loopholes. Those with influence get away with everything.”

    Referring to the present situation, Capt Ranganathan said pilots are working under pressure due to delayed salaries and even cut in salaries. “There is also a possibility that medicines prescribed  for other illnesses could have some components which could show up during these tests,” he said. 

    A senior pilot, on anonymity, said the move would put the fraternity under pressure. “This would clearly breach the trust between the regulator and pilots. The pilot is the commander of the flight and needs to be treated with respect and dignity, and not viewed with suspicion,” he said.