The Airline Pilots’ Association of India (ALPA India) has issued an advisory to pilots following the August 4 Air India Phuket-Delhi turbulence incident, which left 17 people injured and led to an investigation into the pilot-in-command’s “non-negative” dope test.
Per a report by Hindustan Times, the association stressed that the matter remains under investigation and cautioned against treating a preliminary screening result as proof of drug use. It also urged the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to ensure that the testing process remains confidential and that pilots are not exposed to unnecessary reputational damage.
‘Non-negative’ does not mean positive
According to ALPA India, a non-negative screening result is only an initial indication and must be followed by confirmatory laboratory testing and medical review.
“Reporting a screening result as a ‘positive drug test’ or ‘pilot caught using drugs’ before this process concludes is factually inaccurate and unfairly damaging.”
DGCA rules require random testing for psychoactive substances among flight crew and other safety-sensitive personnel, including air traffic controllers and aircraft maintenance engineers.
The pilots’ body said several commonly available over-the-counter medicines can contain ingredients capable of triggering non-negative results in the screening process.
Pilots advised against self-medication
ALPA India advised pilots to consult their organisation’s medical-in-charge or an aviation medical examiner before taking new medicines, including cough syrups, decongestants, allergy medicines and sleep aids, HT reported.
It also asked pilots to disclose all medicines they are taking on the testing proforma when samples are collected. Prescriptions and pharmacy receipts should also be retained to help establish legitimate therapeutic use if a screening result requires further review.
The association cautioned pilots against consuming poppy-seed-heavy foods and preparations such as bhang or thandai before flying duties because of their potential to trigger certain screening results.
“There is no reason for a pilot to conceal medication use or avoid testing out of fear — transparency protects members far more than silence. ALPA India does not support substance abuse of any kind and strongly condemns the same.”
DGCA urged to prevent leaks
ALPA India also called for strict confidentiality around screening results and confirmatory testing. It said identifying information should remain restricted to authorised medical and regulatory personnel.
“No identifying information should reach the public domain, media, or unrelated personnel within the organisation. We urge continued rigour in maintaining chain of custody (CoC) protocols, video recording of screening/splitting, and secure, tamper-proof handling of Samples A and B, so that no pilot’s career or reputation is jeopardised by procedural error.”
The association further urged DGCA to ensure that medical review officers are adequately trained and independent. It said the existing framework provides for counselling and rehabilitation after a first confirmed positive result, with stricter action in repeat cases.
“ALPA India requests DGCA to actively guard against any organisational or public tendency to treat a first non-negative screening result as equivalent to a confirmed offence or to leak such information before due process.”