When pilots are tested for drugs: The process & punishment, Pg14

Key Highlights:

• A pilot-in-command of an Air India Phuket-Delhi flight tested positive for marijuana in a second drug test following an incident where the aircraft dropped 300 feet.
• The incident, which resulted in 24 passengers and cabin crew members being injured, is currently under investigation by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB).
• The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) established a stringent protocol for testing aviation personnel for psychoactive substances, which became effective on January 31, 2022.
• Confirmed cases of psychoactive substance abuse can lead to mandatory rehabilitation for a first offense and license cancellation for repeated instances.

Detailed Insights:

• The DGCA's Civil Aviation Requirement (CAR) on drug consumption testing for aviation personnel was issued in September 2021.
• These rules primarily target flight crew and air traffic controllers but also extend to other safety-sensitive aviation roles like aircraft maintenance engineers and trainee pilots.
• Flight crew and air traffic controllers are subject to a mandatory 10% annual random drug test.
• Other aviation personnel are tested during hiring or after specific safety-related incidents.
• The testing protocol involves an initial screening; a 'non-negative' result immediately removes the pilot from flying duty pending a confirmatory test.
• A Medical Review Officer (MRO) is consulted to determine if a positive confirmatory test result stems from a legitimate medical source, such as prescribed medication.
• A first confirmed instance of drug use requires the employee to undergo a rehabilitation program and obtain a fitness certificate to return to duty.
• A second positive test after returning to duty results in a three-year suspension of the individual's license.
• A third positive test leads to the permanent cancellation of the person's license.
• ALPA India advises pilots to avoid self-medication, as common over-the-counter drugs can trigger false positive results for psychoactive substances.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB): An independent agency under India's Ministry of Civil Aviation responsible for investigating aircraft accidents and serious incidents to enhance aviation safety.
• Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA): India's statutory regulatory body for civil aviation, functioning under the Ministry of Civil Aviation, responsible for safety oversight, licensing, and enforcing civil air regulations.
• Civil Aviation Requirement (CAR): Legally binding regulations issued by the DGCA that detail technical, operational, and administrative standards for civil aviation in India.
• Psychoactive Substances: Chemical substances that affect the central nervous system, altering mental processes such as perception, mood, and behavior.