DGCA proposes strict penalties for drunk pilots including licence cancellation for repeat offenders

NEW DELHI: A massive step towards ensuring safer air travel for all has been taken by the aviation regulator, Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). It has proposed various stringent punishments for cockpit crew who report for duty drunk, including cancellation of the licence for repeat offenders.

In a notification made public last week, the regulator stated that alcohol present in the body, even in small quantities, jeopardises flight safety on several counts and adversely affects an aviator even in the hangover period.