Aerospace

60 Pilots, 150 Cabin Crew Members Suspended By DGCA For Failing Alcohol Test

In the past two and a half years, up to 60 pilots and 150 members of the cabin crew have tested positive after undergoing breathalyzer (BA) testing.

In the past two and a half years, up to 60 pilots and 150 members of the cabin crew have tested positive after undergoing breathalyzer (BA) testing. To ensure that the use of alcohol by pilots and other cabin crew members has not jeopardised aviation safety, breathalyzer tests are carried out. Not a single licence has been cancelled between January 1, 2020, and June 30, 2022, in accordance with the Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR) Section-5, Series-F, Part-III clause.

However, following the test, 210 pilots and crew members have been placed on suspension. Monday in Parliament, the government claimed that a formal process for reviewing safety is in place to check on the airlines’ compliance to the laws and requirements of civil aviation. During the next audit and surveillance, the operator’s actions are checked to see if they are in compliance. The DGCA imposes enforcement measures, including monetary penalties, in the event that any infractions of the regulations are found during the audit and surveillance process.

The DGCA had stated that airlines must make sure that daily preflight alcohol tests are administered to 50% of their cockpit and cabin crew members. The DCGA’s recommendation states that even 12 hours after a drinking session, if blood alcohol levels are still zero, there is a potential that performance will suffer. The advice warned that even trace amounts of alcohol jeopardise flight safety on multiple counts and are likely to adversely influence an aviator well into the hangover period.

Aerospace

When Ratan Tata was denied entry to the airfield at the Aero India show, he waited

During our visit to Aero India 2019, we had the unexpected opportunity to see Ratan Tata at the event, which was a thrilling moment for us. However, there was a surprising hiccup when the security staff didn’t allow him to enter due to a lack of a security pass.

Despite this, he remained calm and patiently waited for about 20 minutes until a member of the Tata team brought him the required pass, after which he calmly proceeded inside. It was a humbling sight, showcasing his composed demeanor even in such situations.

Ratan Tata ji is not only a renowned industrialist but also a trained pilot, holding a pilot’s license. In 2007, he became the first Indian civilian to fly the F-16 Falcon during the Aero India show in Bangalore—a proud moment for the nation.

His passion for aviation extended beyond flying, as he played a key role in shaping India’s aerospace industry. Under his leadership, Tata ventured into manufacturing and maintaining aerospace components while upholding its legacy of quality. Notably, Tata’s collaboration with Airbus to develop and manufacture the C295 aircraft is a testament to its growing influence in the sector.