Mumbai:
National carrier Air India has removed a senior pilot, who is also a trainer, examiner and instructor, from all administrative duties after he was found drunk prior to a flight, an official said on Thursday. The action against Captain Sebastian Joseph, who is also deputy general manager (operations), came after he was found drunk during a pre-flight medical test at Chennai on February 3.
Civil Aviation Minister Ajit Singh had sought a report on the allegations.
Air India has informed the minister that Joseph was removed from the scheduled flight AI-671/672, bound for the Chennai-Madurai-Chennai-Mumbai sector that day. It was subsequently operated by another commander.
As per Directorate-General of Civil Aviation regulations, Joseph was put off the duty roster for three months immediately after the incident, the airline said.
Besides, he was removed from all administrative duties and his status as training captain, including check pilot, examiner and instructor, frozen for a period of three years. A disciplinary inquiry was also being initiated against him.