FIP cited the example of Australia's CASA and US DOT regulations, where oral-fluid testing has been incorporated into the regulated drug testing system.
FIP demands expansion of scope of random drug testing of pilots
To further strengthen aviation safety in the country, there has been a demand to expand the scope of random drug testing for pilots. In its proposal to the DGCA, the Federation of Indian Pilots (FIP) has asked that the DGCA consider increasing the current 10% annual random testing minimum to at least 20-25%. The FIP has also suggested including oral fluid testing in pilot testing.
What is the arrangement now?
According to the FIP, under current DGCA regulations, psychoactive substance testing of relevant aviation personnel is primarily conducted through urine samples. This screening is followed by a confirmatory test and medical review. Currently, random testing is conducted annually at least 10% of the relevant categories. The FIP argues that as the Indian aviation sector, aircraft numbers, and flight operations grow, the current level of testing should be revisited.
Recommended testing of 10% to 25%
The FIP states that testing should not be limited to meeting annual data. Testing should be conducted at various times throughout the year and in a truly random manner. Even if a pilot has been tested before, they should be able to be randomly selected for testing again. The proposal also suggests a model of increasing the coverage from the current 10% minimum coverage to 20-25% initially and then increasing it to 25-50% based on risk.
Why test with saliva?
FIP states that oral-fluid testing should be used in conjunction with urine testing, rather than replacing it entirely. It can be used specifically for random, high-volume, and suspicion-based testing at airports. However, urine testing is recommended for cases requiring a longer detection window. As an illustrative model, the FIP study estimated a urine sample collection time of 45 minutes and an oral-fluid sample collection time of 15 minutes. This could reduce collection workload by approximately 66.7%. However, FIP clearly states that these figures are only estimates used for planning purposes and will need to be verified through a pilot program in India.
Examples of use abroad
FIP cited Australia's CASA and the US DOT's regulations, where oral-fluid testing is incorporated into the regulated drug testing system. However, FIP also said that India should develop a model tailored to its needs rather than directly copying another country's system.
A positive screening does not directly mean guilt.
According to the FIP, a non-negative screening test does not necessarily mean that the pilot was intoxicated or unfit to fly. A confirmatory lab test, followed by a medical review, and then a final regulatory decision must be made. It specifically calls for consideration of prescription medications that may produce a reading similar to a banned substance on the test.
