Pilots’ body seeks 25% annual random drug testing

The Federation of Indian Pilots has asked the Directorate General of Civil Aviation to increase random drug testing among pilots, saying the existing requirement of testing at least 10 per cent of aviation personnel each year is not enough for the country’s rapidly expanding aviation sector. The federation has proposed that the annual random testing level be raised to 25 per cent, with pilots being allowed to be selected more than once.

The demand comes after the August 4 Air India Phuket-Delhi incident, in which the aircraft reportedly lost around 300 feet of altitude and 24 people were injured. The pilot-in-command later tested positive for marijuana. Air India subsequently began one-time mandatory drug testing for its pilots, with two pilots reportedly failing preliminary screening so far. The developments have put renewed attention on how drug and substance testing is carried out across the aviation sector.

According to a representation submitted by the FIP to the DGCA on August 17, the pilots’ body wants random checks to be less predictable and spread across the year instead of simply meeting an annual quota. The federation has also suggested additional testing where there are objective risk factors. The idea, it said, is to make the possibility of being selected for a test a continuing concern rather than something linked to a fixed number of checks.

Another proposal is the introduction of saliva-based testing at airports alongside the existing urine testing system. The FIP believes oral-fluid tests could make random and high-volume screening quicker, particularly at busy airports where taking samples can affect crew schedules. Urine testing could still be used where a longer detection period or existing regulatory requirements make it more suitable.

The pilots’ body has suggested a 12-month pilot programme before any wider rollout of saliva testing. Such a study would need to examine the accuracy of the tests, the time required for collection, laboratory confirmation, crew downtime and the handling of samples. Costs and chain-of-custody procedures would also have to be assessed before the system becomes part of regular aviation safety checks.

The federation has also raised a caution about interpreting positive screening results. A non-negative screening result, it has argued, should not by itself be treated as proof that a pilot was under the influence of a substance while operating an aircraft. It wants confirmatory laboratory testing and medical evaluation before regulatory or employment action is taken.

The FIP has also proposed a “Check Before You Take” awareness programme for pilots. The programme would cover prescription medicines, over-the-counter drugs, supplements, herbal products and alcohol-containing medicines that could affect fitness to fly or potentially produce a positive drug-test result. Regular awareness sessions and confidential access to aviation medical experts have also been suggested.

The DGCA will now have to examine the proposals, including whether a higher testing threshold and saliva screening can be incorporated into the existing safety framework. The discussion comes as aviation authorities face pressure to strengthen safeguards while also ensuring that testing procedures are scientifically sound and do not draw conclusions from preliminary results alone.