Finding a company that didn’t view a pilot flying while intoxicated as a violation that may result in termination would be challenging. But a recently proposed law in India would similarly penalize pilots who wear perfume.
An amendment to the regulations governing alcohol consumption has recently been proposed by India’s Office of the Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), which regulates the nation’s aviation sector.
In the rules, it is previously mentioned that mouthwash is one such substance that might result in a positive breath test in addition to alcoholic beverages. But a new paragraph, bolded here, makes specific reference to perfume.
The new rule states that: “No crew member shall consume any drug/formulation or use any substance such as mouthwash/tooth gel/perfume or any such product which has alcoholic content. This may result in a positive breath analyzer test. Any crew member who is undergoing such medication shall consult the company doctor before undertaking a flying assignment.”
Although perfumes can have very small levels of alcohol, it is not known if wearing perfume can result in a false positive breath test.
In August 2015, the DGCA’s official air safety regulations were approved. Through October 5, the planned addition is open for public comment.
The aviation industry has occasionally experienced problems with intoxicated pilots.
Pilot for Japan Airlines Katsutoshi Jitsukawa received a 10-month prison term in 2018 after a breath test immediately after takeoff revealed that his blood alcohol level was nine times the permissible limit.
Additionally, a Delta pilot from the US who was believed to be under the influence of alcohol was pulled off a fully boarding jet before takeoff.
