Audio By Carbonatix
It would be difficult to find an airline that did not consider a pilot flying while drunk a fireable offense. But a newly proposed regulation in India could also take action against pilots who use perfume.
India’s Office of the Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), which oversees the country’s aviation industry, recently proposed an update to its bylaws regarding alcohol consumption.
There is already reference to things other than alcoholic drinks that could cause a positive breath test, namely mouthwash, in the guidelines. However, a new section – bolded here – specifically mentions perfume.
It reads: “No crew member shall consume any drug/formulation or use any substance such as mouthwash/tooth gel/perfume or any such product which has alcoholic content. This may result in positive breath analyzer test.”
The text continues: “Any crew member who is undergoing such medication shall consult the company doctor before undertaking flying assignment.”
While perfumes can contain trace amounts of alcohol, it’s unclear if wearing perfume on one’s body can trigger a false positive breath test.
The official air safety requirements for the DGCA were ratified in August 2015. The proposed addition is up for public comment through October 5.
Pilot drunkenness has occasionally been an issue in the aviation industry.
In 2018, Katsutoshi Jitsukawa, a pilot for Japan Airlines, was sentenced to 10 months in prison after a breath test taken shortly after takeoff showed that his blood alcohol level was nine times the legal limit.
And in the US, a Delta pilot named Gabriel Lyle Schroeder was escorted off a fully boarded plane pre-takeoff when he was suspected of being under the influence of alcohol.
“Delta’s alcohol policy is among the strictest in the industry and we have no tolerance for violation,” an airline representative told CNN at the time.
Latest Stories
-
Legal Green Association reviews first year of Mahama administration, cites economic relief and governance reforms
2 hours -
Technical Students’ Union kicks against Scholarship Authority Board over absence of student representation
2 hours -
Tanyigbe royal houses challenge the legitimacy of Togbega Kodi Adiko VI
3 hours -
Gender Ministry warns public against fake GH¢1,350 ‘National Family Support Allowance’ scam
3 hours -
Vice President opens 93rd Jalsa Salana in Gomoa, reaffirms gov’t commitment to inclusive development
3 hours -
Five remanded after pleading guilty in assault of Kade SHTS tutor
4 hours -
Police arrest two more suspects in Adabraka Gold shop heist
4 hours -
Arise Ghana to picket at American Embassy demanding repatriation of Ken Ofori-Atta
4 hours -
President Mahama commissions ultra-modern digital printing centre at Ghana Publishing
5 hours -
Ofori-Atta applied for US stay extension on medical grounds – Lawyer
5 hours -
AFCON 2026: Senegal, Mali clash in quarters as hosts Morocco face Cameroon
5 hours -
Gov’t to award major textbook printing contracts to Ghana Publishing
5 hours -
My father’s statue should remind us to live by his ideals — Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings
5 hours -
Bawumia on course to secure over 65% in NPP presidential primaries – Egyapa Mercer
5 hours -
President Mahama backs GPCL’s push to become leading printing brand
5 hours
