NEW DELHI: The ongoing one-time dope tests administered to all Air India group pilots beginning last Thursday have so far seen two non-negative results among the “300-400” cockpit crew members who have provided samples so far. According to sources, the two employees have been taken off flying duty as confirmatory tests are conducted and final report is awaited.AI and AI Express together employ around 5,000 pilots. After the pilot of AI’s badly rattled Aug 4 Phuket-Delhi flight tested positive in a confirmatory test, the group had decided to conduct this one-time exercise on all its pilots to “protect and sustain the trust of millions of passengers” that AI has earned over decades.Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) rules stipulate that a pilot who tests positive for consumption of psychoactive substances for the first time should be referred for de-addiction and rehabilitation. Such a crew member can return to active duty once he tests negative. After resuming flying, if the same person tests positive for psychoactive substances, their licence will be suspended for three years.
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If the same person tests positive a third time, their flying licence will be cancelled.The aviation ministry has directed DGCA to amend existing dope testing requirements by increasing the percentage of personnel who will be mandatorily tested.It has also directed DGCA to ensure stricter consequences for those taking “real” drugs, while giving second and third chances to those testing non-negative after taking certain medicines. TNN