Failing the test, employees would be ‘sent packing’ for the day
Reporting to work drunk is unprofessional – and dangerous if it puts people’s safety at risk.
Which is why starting from March 31, the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) will enforce random alcohol testing of pilots flying out of local airports.
CAAS has a zero-tolerance policy towards alcohol consumption by pilots. On March 28, it announced a tightening of regulations to mitigate the risk of pilots operating under the influence.
This comes after Singapore Airlines (SIA) fired a pilot in January for failing an alcohol test last year, resulting in the flight’s cancellation.
The new Airport Alcohol Testing Program will prohibit pilots from flying if they exceed the alcohol abstinence limit. The current standard is set at 0.02g per 210 litres of breath.
Pilots found to be operating under the influence of alcohol may be subject to criminal penalties. This can mean a fine of up to $50,000 and/or imprisonment of up to two years for first-time offenders, and up to $100,000 and/or five years’ jail for repeats.
In addition, airline operators will be required to strengthen their alcohol abstention policies. Currently, for instance, SIA Group and Jetstar Asia require pilots to abstain from alcohol 10 hours before a flight.
Starting May 1, operators will be required to implement an Airline Alcohol Management Program (AAMP) to proactively identify, manage and rehabilitate pilots with problematic use of alcohol.
The AAMP must include components such as a comprehensive peer and self-reporting system, as well as an alcohol rehabilitation program for pilots.
“The safety of aircraft operations, passengers and crew on board is paramount,” said Kevin Shum, Director-General at CAAS. “CAAS and the aviation community take a serious view of pilots operating aircraft under the influence of alcohol. The new alcohol testing and management programs will help ensure that pilots’ ability to operate aircraft is not impaired by alcohol.”
The stiffer rules were developed following a comprehensive review and consultations with the aviation community.
