In a latest development in the ongoing scrutiny over random drug testing of pilots, the Centre is considering conducting random drug tests for all pilots annually, Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu said on Tuesday.
The development comes days after two Air India pilots operating a Phuket-to-Delhi flight tested non-negative in a preliminary post-flight drug test. Following the incident, Air India voluntarily began testing 100% of its pilots from August 13.
Disclosing the details, Naidu said the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is holding discussions with stakeholders on the existing rules and ways to ensure a stricter policy on drug testing for pilots.
“There are multiple ways of approaching this test. So right now, the rule says 10% across the overall pilot network… DGCA is engaging, and one of the opinions from our side is that everyone has to go through it in the year at a random time,” he said.
Speaking about the potential impact, Naidu said both safety and operational implications would be considered.
“If we do 100%, if every pilot has to go through the dope test once a year, what can happen? What can be the impact of that? That is what the DGCA is looking at,” he added.
Besides Air India, other airlines have also begun conducting drug tests on pilots following the incident.
The Air India AI 2379 Phuket-Delhi flight reportedly experienced a sudden loss of altitude of around 300 feet during cruise, injuring nearly 20 passengers and crew members. The incident was initially attributed to turbulence. However, the investigation later revealed that one of the pilots tested positive in a drug test. The matter is currently being investigated by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB).
According to sources, the DGCA is likely to ask domestic airlines to conduct psychoactive substance tests for their pilots. It is also considering amendments to the rules governing drug testing of aviation personnel, including stricter action against those who test positive for psychoactive substances.