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
-
Muzic Mensah selected for Boomplay’s inaugural ‘NEXT WAVE’ Programme
4 hours -
Prime Insight to tackle legal vacation controversy and $1million AKSA bribery case
4 hours -
Ghanaian evacuee from South Africa dies on arrival in Accra
4 hours -
POS Foundation raises alarm over student cohabitation, sexual harassment on university campuses
5 hours -
Nandom NPP primary heats up as four candidates enter 2028 race
6 hours -
Mangione admits killing healthcare CEO and pleads guilty to federal charges
6 hours -
The Invite to The Odyssey: 12 of the best films of 2026 so far
6 hours -
Ayra Starr on her secret relationship and teasing Stevie Wonder
6 hours -
NPP Ashanti holds vigil in support of Wontumi as lawyers appeal conviction
6 hours -
TCDA targets higher crop yields as farmers receive inputs
6 hours -
Kofi Amoako Attah inducted into 11th Corporate Ghana Hall of Fame
7 hours -
Newsfile to discuss AKSA energy deal, legal vacation and GoldBod losses
7 hours -
Gushegu MCE says slain Yiidana was targeted as police investigate killing of chief and son
7 hours -
President Mahama reiterates commitment to link regional capitals with good roads
7 hours -
Ex-Cambridge professor at centre of plagiarism row found dead
7 hours