‘Increase drug testing from 10% to 25% for pilots:’ FIA to DGCA chief Vir Vikram Yadav
The Federation of Indian Pilots has requested that the Directorate General of Civil Aviation increase the annual random drug testing rate for pilots from 10% to 25%. The proposal also emphasizes the need for a 'check before you take' awareness program regarding over-the-counter and prescription medications.
Why it matters
Enhanced safety protocols for aviation personnel are critical for passenger safety, especially as the aviation industry and pilot populations continue to grow.
NEW DELHI: As the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) reviews the dope test requirement for flight crew members, the Federation of Indian Pilots (FIP) has asked the regulator to amend the current requirement for an operator to subject at least 10 per cent of pilots to this test annually to at least 25 per cent. FIP president Captain CS Randhawa has said in a mail to DGCA chief Vir Vikram Yadav that all stakeholders must establish a pilot “psychoactive-substance and medication awareness programme” to make sure every pilot understands “certain prescription medicines, over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, herbal preparations, supplements and other commonly available products may contain substances that can affect alertness, performance or produce a finding in a drug or alcohol test.”FIP has identified certain medicines that may impact flight safety by causing drowsiness or sedation; impairing judgement or reaction time; reducing alertness and resulting in a positive or non-negative…
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