After pilots, now alcohol tests for ATC officers

Updated on: 13 April,2009 07:48 AM IST |
Aditya Anand |

Random breath analyser tests to ensure safer skies

Random breath analyser tests to ensure safer skies

After pilots, the Ministry of Civil Aviation is now keeping an eye on officers at the Air Traffic Control (ATC).u00a0

They will now be subject to stricter scrutiny and will have to face random alcohol checks to ensure safer flying in Indian skies.u00a0

"Alcohol detection tests and language phraseology will be important changes that will make the ATC more accountable," a Ministry of Civil Aviation official said. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is currently drafting guidelines that will make breath analyser tests mandatory for all ATC officers reporting to work. At present, these tests are performed only on pilots and cabin crew.

Meanwhile, the DGCA has asked airlines to increase the frequency of random breath analyser tests for pilots. "We have increased the frequency of random checks to ensure discipline," said Dr Zaidi. Currently, India has 1,640 ATC officials, as against the requirement of 2,100.

ATC goof-up
In February this year, an IAF helicopter that was part of President Pratibha Patil's fleet and a New-Delhi bound Air-India plane were involved in a near-collision. The helicopter received ATC clearance to land on the runway where an Airbus 321 was taking off.

The role of ATCu00a0
Air Traffic Control (ATC) officials operate the system to expedite and maintain a safe and orderly flow of air traffic and help prevent mid-air collisions. They apply separation rules to keep each aircraft apart from others in their area of responsibility and move all aircraft safely and efficiently through their assigned sector of airspace.

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