Pilots to face tougher alcohol test rules

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

In its draft amendments to the Civil Aviation Requirement (CAR) 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 during the hangover period.