Are Indian pilots heavy drinkers? - Curt Lewis

Action against pilots in 28 cases this year, says Govt (India)

In calendar year 2015, there were 43 cases of violations by pilots and all were related to alcohol positive cases.

Jayant Sinha, Minister of State for Civil Aviation, informed Rajya Sabha that 26 cases of pilots being tested positive for alcohol during pre-medical tests were detected till July 31. (Source: Express file photo)

Action was initiated against pilots in 28 cases this year till July for violation of flying rules, including testing alcohol positive during pre-flight tests, Parliament was informed on Tuesday. Jayant Sinha, Minister of State for Civil Aviation, informed Rajya Sabha that 26 cases of pilots being tested positive for alcohol during pre-medical tests were detected till July 31. There was one case of violation of "cockpit/cabin discipline" and another on operating flight beyond validity of pilot proficiency check, says the written reply.
In calendar year 2015, there were 43 cases of violations by pilots and all were related to alcohol positive cases. A total of 98 instances of violations by pilots were recorded in 2014, including three cases of allowing unauthorised entry into the cockpit. "The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has issued warnings to three pilots of IndiGo Airlines who had taken selfies when the aircraft was on ground," Sinha said.