ALPA cautions against assuming drug use after Air India test
After a rough Air India flight from Phuket to Delhi on August 4 left 17 people hurt, the pilots' association (ALPA) stepped in with advice.
The pilot-in-command tested nonnegative for drugs, but ALPA pointed out this can happen because of common medicines (not just illegal substances), so it's not proof of drug use.
ALPA urges medication disclosure, DGCA reforms
ALPA is asking pilots to always list any medications they're taking and talk to aviation doctors before starting new ones.
They want the DGCA (aviation regulator) to improve how drug tests are handled, such as keeping things confidential, recording procedures, and using neutral medical experts.
They also reminded everyone that first-time results should be treated as a chance for correction, not punishment, and called for fair media coverage so pilots' reputations aren't unfairly damaged.