Breath analyser test for pilots, crew members: DGCA bans use of mouthwash, tooth gel | Business News
DGCA issues revised rules for pilots and cabin crew (Pic – Pixabay)
New Delhi: The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Wednesday said that according to the revised norms, pilots and crew members are barred from using mouthwash, tooth gel or any such substance that has alcoholic content as that may result in a positive breath analyser test.
In its release, the civil aviation regulator said it has revised the Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR) that categorically state that flight crew members are not allowed to consume any drug/formulation or use any substance such as mouthwash/tooth gel or any such product which has alcoholic content as this may result into positive breath analyser test.
The revised guidelines call for a crew member to inform about such medication and consult the company doctor before undertaking flying assignment.
The watchdog has also made changes to the norms pertaining to the procedure for medical examination of aircraft personnel for alcohol consumption.
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The revision of norms was done with an aim to ensure safety of aircraft operations and streamlining existing regulations in accordance with the feedback from industry and stakeholders.
In its draft, the DGCA had called for barring crew from using any “drug/formulation or use any substance such as mouthwash/tooth gel/perfume or any such product which has alcoholic content”.
Notably, ‘perfume’ is not included in the final CAR.
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According to the revised rules, the DGCA has mandated usage of breath analyser equipment with fuel cell technology and a procedure for oversight and surveillance of calibration agencies has been introduced.
“To prevent missed breath analyser cases, a provision has been introduced wherein the operating crew travelling as passengers shall undergo breath analyser test at the boarding station in case of ramp to ramp transfer for operating flight,” it said in the CAR dated October 30.
