When Pilots Are Tested for Drugs: Process & Punishment

A second drug test of the pilot-in-command of the Air India Phuket–Delhi flight, which reportedly fell about 300 feet, tested positive for marijuana, bringing aviation drug-testing rules into focus.

Rules Governing Drug Testing

• The DGCA Civil Aviation Requirement (CAR) on testing aviation personnel for drug consumption was issued in September 2021 and became effective on January 31, 2022.
• The rules cover not only pilots and air traffic controllers but also personnel performing safety-sensitive functions such as aircraft maintenance engineers, certifying staff, trainee pilots and instructors.
• Pilots and ATCs are subject to random drug testing, while other covered personnel may be tested at hiring, after specific incidents or following safety-related events.
• Airlines, flying schools, maintenance organisations and air-navigation service providers are encouraged to expand random testing across their workforce.

Testing Protocol

• The employee’s urine sample is divided into two containers to ensure verification and confirmatory testing.
• The first sample undergoes immediate screening, and a non-negative result leads to the employee being taken off flying or operational duty pending confirmation.
• The second sample is sent to a laboratory for testing using complex analytical instruments.
• If the confirmatory test is positive, a Medical Review Officer (MRO) examines whether the result is due to legitimate medication or actual psychoactive-substance use.

Punishment for Refusing a Test

• Refusal to undergo testing is treated by the DGCA as seriously as a positive test result.
• On initial refusal, the employee is removed from duty and must clear a drug test within 48 hours.
• Failure to clear the test can lead to one-year licence suspension and mandatory rehabilitation before returning to duty.
• A second refusal can result in three-year suspension, while repeated refusal can lead to licence cancellation.

If Drug Use Is Confirmed

• A first confirmed positive test leads to referral to a specialist doctor, counsellor or de-addiction/rehabilitation programme.
• Return to active duty requires a negative drug test and medical fitness certification from the organisation’s medical authority.
• A second confirmed positive test after returning to duty can lead to three-year licence suspension.
• A third positive test can result in cancellation of the person’s licence.