Pilots flout norms in ‘high’ spirits

Hyderabad, Dec. 20: Airline pilots who fly when under the influence of alcohol are a major threat to the safety of passengers. But the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is yet to frame stringent rules to contain this menace.

As per the existing rules, no pilot should take alcohol 12 hours prior to flying. In the event of an accident, the pilot and co-pilot must be immediately checked for alcohol levels in their blood.

However, there is no compulsory check of pilots prior to flying. The DGCA authorities conduct only random inspections. The airline relies on the submission of self-declaration forms of pilots, declaring that they have not violated the rules.

In 2009, 24 pilots were found to be alcohol-positive in random pre-flight medical examinations in India till November 30. Many more would have been caught red-handed if the pre-flight test was made mandatory. The DGCA has given an assurance that it will do so, but it has not yet come out with a new policy though it has been directed to do so by the civil aviation ministry a few months ago.

Airlines are authorised to remove pilots from service if they are found to be alcohol-positive, but there is no punishment under criminal laws even though the pilots are jeopardising the lives of travellers. Drunken flying is taken very seriously by the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). It allows airlines to remove errant pilots from service and also sends them to jail. For instance, United Airlines recently sacked Mr Ervin Vermont Washington after he was proved to be alcohol-positive while flying. He was also punished with two years’ imprisonment.

The offence under FAA regulations is not limited to pilots and members of the cockpit crew. Flight attendants too are subject to the same standards of sobriety and penalties as those who actually fly the planes.

Also, the offence of flying while drunk includes an attempt to fly — actual movement of the aircraft or control by a member of the flight crew is not necessary to prove the offence.

The civil aviation ministry must take the issue seriously and frame rules along the lines of the FAA since the lives of people are at stake.

“Apart from safety concerns, many flights get delayed whenever pilots are proved alcohol-positive during inspections since it is not possible for the airline to arrange another pilot immediately,” said Mr D. Varada Reddy, president of the Air Travellers’ Association of India.

Recently, an Air India flight from Chennai to Singapore was delayed by 30 minutes after the pilot was found positive after a breathalyser test.

“The alcohol test has to be made mandatory so that the pilots do not dare to violate the rules,” Mr Reddy said.

Capt. S.N. Reddy, chief executive officer, AP Aviation Academy, agrees that stringent rules are necessary.

“The airlines concerned should suspend errant pilots to ensure safety of passengers. Such disciplinary action would send a strong message to other pilots and prevent them from flying when drunk,” he added.