For all other regular flights, only random checks will be conducted on a daily basis, say new DGCA rules
For all other regular flights, only random checks will be conducted on a daily basis, say new DGCA rules
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Illustration/Sameer Pawar |
Next time you board an aircraft, just hope that there is a VIP onboard, for only then will the pilots and cabin crew be subjected to a compulsory breath-analyser check for alcohol consumption. According to a new set of procedures issued by Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) yesterday, all other regular flights require only a daily random check.
The new procedures which airlines can object till February 3, state that even if the blood-alcohol level is zero, there could be some effects of a hangover due to congeners (toxin chemicals) that produce ill effects lasting up to 36 hours, depending on the amount of alcohol consumed.
For flights taking off from India, at least 40 per cent of the flight crew (pilots, co-pilots and navigators) and 20 per cent of the cabin crew will be subjected to a pre-flight check daily. For private jets, the crew will be subjected to a pre-flight check on a once in every 15 calendar-days basis. Surprisingly, an alcohol check is mandatory only if a VIP is onboard a flight.
The new rulesThe draft issued by the Joint Director A K Chopra, DGCA, states that alcohol, even in small quantities, jeopardises flight safety, and is likely to affect an aviator well into the hangover period.
"No person acting as, or carried in aircraft for the purpose of acting as pilot, commander, navigator, engineer, cabin crew or other operating crew member shall take any alcoholic drink, sedative, narcotic or stimulant drug preparation within 12 hours of the commencement of flight, or during the flight," it reads.
In case of an accident, if a pilot survives the crash, investigators will first collect blood and urine samples to conduct an alcohol test.
Pre-flight and post-flight check If any crewmember fails the first test, he will be subject to a second check after a gap of 15 minutes during which washing of face and rinsing of mouth is permitted. The breath analyser will be checked before the second test.
In event of a crewmember failing the second test, he will be grounded. No third test will be permitted and no blood test will be conducted.
Crew operating flights carrying VIPs will undergo a mandatory breath-check.
The amount
According to the DGCA draft rules, two ounces of whiskey raises the alcohol level to 50 mg. The amount of alcohol in a can of beer is approximately the same as a single mixed drink. Wine, Champagne, Ale and other alcoholic beverages have the same effects as liquor, though the concentration of alcohol varies from one beverage to another.
