‘Increase drug testing from 10% to 25% for pilots:’ FIA to DGCA chief Vir Vikram Yadav

The Federation of Indian Pilots (FIP) has urged the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to raise the drug testing requirement for pilots from 10 percent annually to at least 25 percent. FIP president Captain CS Randhawa has written to DGCA chief Vir Vikram Yadav, emphasizing the need for a pilot "psychoactive-substance and medication awareness programme" to ensure all pilots are aware of potential impacts of various medications, supplements, and herbal preparations on alertness and flight safety.

Captain Randhawa recommended a "check before you take" principle for pilots, advising them to carefully review the impact of any new medication before starting it. The FIP also suggested the possibility of adopting oral-fluid testing as a supplementary method to the current urine testing system. The primary goal is to create a testing regime that is random, credible, and maintains a high level of deterrence throughout the year to ensure the safety of passengers and crew.