This comes as the DGCA, after several rounds of consultations with airlines, fixed a minimum for 40% alchometer testing of all pilots and 25% testing of cabin crew. The DGCA had initially proposed a 100% testing formula.

At present, officials estimate, air operators test barely 5-10% of their pilots and crew.

The DGCA’s new rules are:

• Mandatory 40% daily alcometer testing of all pilots and 25% of all crew.

• Chartered flights, small private operators and helicopter services to be included.

• Failure to take second test after first positive result will be taken as a case of default.

• Suspension or cancellation of licence after post-flight alcometer tests.

When contacted, Air India’s Director, Public Relations, Jitender Bhargava said the airline conducted these tests fairly ‘‘regularly’’ and it was trying to increase the frequency of the tests.

He admitted, however, that the tests take up to 30 minutes and sometimes hold up flights. “Our suggestion, therefore, is to maybe do half the tests on arrival and half during departure. Whatever is done should not cause inconvenience to passengers or upset flight schedules,’’ Bhargava said.

Said A K Shivanandan, Jet spokesperson: “We are conducting the tests. If the new guidelines and regulations come, they will be implemented by Jet Airways.’’

Flying under the influence
Last year, these were some flights on which pilots and crew were booked for alcohol levels:

Jet
Jan 1: Mumbai-B’lore
Feb 13: Delhi-Srinagar
April 29: Kolkata-Delhi
June 15: Mumbai-Delhi
June 25: Delhi-Chennai
Aug 12: Delhi-Leh
Aug 18: Kolkata
Sept 5: Mumbai-Bangalore
Oct 8: Delhi-Pune

... contd.