India's aviation safety regulator Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has tightened breath analyser testing rules for pilots, introducing sharper penalties for repeated violations, including possible cancellation of flying licenses.
The revised Civil Aviation Requirement (CAR), effective February 9, outlines stricter action for both Indian and foreign cockpit crew operating in the country, according to an NDTV report.
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Tougher action for repeat offenders
Under the updated framework, a pilot who fails a pre-flight Breath Analyser (BA) test on three separate occasions will face license cancellation. In the case of expatriate pilots flying in India on Foreign Aircrew Temporary Authorisation (FATA), a single positive alcohol test before a flight will lead to cancellation of the authorisation, with no reconsideration later, stated the NDTV report.
The move follows changes proposed in September last year regarding medical examinations of crew members for alcohol consumption before and after flights.
Counselling for first-time low readings
For minor first-time violations, the regulator has prescribed counselling instead of immediate suspension. The revised norms state:
"For confirmatory BA readings up to 0.009 per cent BAC or mg/dl for the first time, the crew shall be off rostered and subjected to counselling. For scheduled operators, the counselling shall be carried out by the Chief Medical Officer and the Chief of Flight Safety on the adverse impact of alcohol and subsequently released for flight.
"In case of operators other than scheduled operators, the counselling shall be carried out by the Accountable Manager and Chief of Flight Safety/CFI. All such cases shall be reported to DGCA; however, this shall not be endorsed on crew license/approval,"
BAC refers to Blood Alcohol Content.
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Suspension rules and missed tests
A second pre-flight positive test, or a combination of one positive and one missed test, will result in license suspension. Post-flight violations are treated more severely, with a three-year suspension if a pilot tests positive once and misses another test, or vice versa.
Why alcohol rules are strict
The regulator emphasised that alcohol's impact can continue even after blood levels drop to zero due to "hangover" effects, according to NDTV. A minimum 12-hour abstinence period before flying remains mandatory, while heavy drinking can impair performance for up to 48–72 hours. Airlines are also allowed to enforce stricter internal limits under their safety management systems.
