2 Spicejet pilots fail alcohol test

Mumbai: Increase in the frequency of random breath analyser tests for pilots seems to have got results. On March 22, two pilots working with low-cost carrier Spicejet tested positive for alchohol in Delhi and Mumbai, respectively. Both were found drunk a few minutes before scheduled take-off of their flights. The pilots — an expat and local — were caught out by a random test conducted by the airline. Both of them have been grounded.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) — the regulatory body for air travel — has asked airlines to increase the frequency of random breath analyser checks for pilots.
Earlier, only the regulator conducted these surprise checks. The official added: “Since January this year, we have found increased cases of pilots evading breathe analyzers tests.”
The decision was taken in the wake of increased stress among pilots post the downturn in Indian aviation last year. “Pilots have been facing increased stress fearing pay cuts since October 2008. In such times, they often take to drinking,” said a doctor conducting medical tests for pilots, recognised by the DGCA.
25/03/09 Soubhik Mitra/Hindustan Times

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Categories: Safety Mar 2009, SpiceJet Mar 2009