Tezzbuzz Desk- Big news has come out regarding drug test of pilots in Air India. Two more pilots of the company have been found positive in the initial drug test. However, the final test reports of both are yet to come. Till the report comes, both the pilots have been removed from duty and flight roster. Further action will be decided on the basis of the final report only.
It has been told that after the initial test of both the pilots came positive, they were immediately quarantined. de-roster It has been done. Till now, drug test of more than 300 pilots of Air India has been done. This investigation is being done by the airline with the aim of strengthening the safety standards and preventing any kind of risk in aircraft operations.
Waiting for 24 to 48 hours for the final report
It may take 24 to 48 hours or more for the final test reports of both the pilots to arrive. Being found positive in the initial investigation does not mean that final action has been decided against both the pilots. The situation will become clear only after the final test report comes.
If the final report also confirms the consumption of a banned substance, then action can be taken against both the pilots under the relevant rules. At present he has been kept away from flying.
Investigation of more than 300 pilots
Air India has increased the scope of drug testing of its pilots. More than 300 pilots have been investigated so far. This campaign is being run for the pilots of Air India and Air India Express.
Both the airlines of Tata Group together have more than 5,000 pilots. The company said in an internal message sent to pilots that the investigation would include testing for psychoactive substances and drugs banned under current aviation rules.
Investigation increased after Phuket-Delhi flight
The decision to conduct extensive drug testing of pilots was taken after the turbulence incident on an Air India flight coming from Phuket to Delhi. On August 4, the Airbus A320 aircraft of flight number AI2379 suddenly fell by about 300 feet during turbulence. A total of 145 people were on board the aircraft, including 137 passengers and 8 crew members. Information was revealed that at least 24 people were injured in the incident.
After this incident, a drug test of the chief pilot of the plane was conducted, in which the consumption of ganja (marijuana) was confirmed. After this the airline decided to conduct drug testing of its pilots on a large scale.
Precautionary steps regarding security
The investigation being conducted by Air India and Air India Express is being seen as a precautionary measure apart from being a necessary procedure under the existing aviation rules. The purpose of testing is to ensure that pilots involved in flight operations do not perform duty under the influence of any banned or psychoactive substance. Pilots can be tested during training sessions at the training academy in Gurugram, at the flight briefing center after the flight and at the airline's offices or respective bases.
At present, two pilots have been removed from flight duty and the final report is awaited. Only after the report comes, it will be clear what further action will be taken against both of them. At the same time, the ongoing extensive investigation into both the airlines with more than 5,000 pilots indicates the company's strictness regarding aviation safety.