New Delhi:
As many as 67 pilots tested positive during pre-flight alcohol tests since 2009 and nearly one-third of them are from Jet Airways, the Lok Sabha was informed on Wednesday.
In a written reply, Minister for Civil Aviation Vayalar Ravi presented data of pilots found "positive during the pre-flight alcohol test."
The figures show that 67 cases of alcohol positive pilots were detected between January 2009 and June 2011 with 20 pilots being from Jet Airways. Nine pilots of Jetlite were alcohol positive during the period.
Following Jet Airways, 10 pilots each of Kingfisher and Indigo tested alcohol positive, eight pilots of Spicejet, six from NACIL, two from Go Air, one each from Alliance Air and Air India Charters, the data given in the reply states.
According to the reply, 33 tipsy pilots were detected during the tests in 2009, 23 in 2010 and 11 in 2011 till June.
"Directorate General of Civil Aviation issued Civil Aviation Requirement on November 30, 2010 which explains the procedure to be followed for pre-flight medical check and breath analyser test for alcohol consumption.
"As of now all crew members have to report for pre-flight medical check. As per regulations 100 per cent checks of all crew members should be done. DGCA officials also carry out surveillance checks of pre-flight medical checks," the Minister said.
He said action is taken against the erring pilots as per civil aviation requirements and company policy.
"The crew is immediately grounded as per procedures with loss of pay and allowances. If found positive for the first time the pilot is kept off flying duty and his license is suspended for three months. In case the pilot is again detected positive, his licence is cancelled for five years," he said.