Random alcohol testing of pilots to begin in Singapore
The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore will introduce random alcohol testing for pilots from this weekend.
The updated Airport Alcohol Testing Programme will randomly select pilots on a daily basis for testing using a portable breathalyzer administered by a qualified testing officer.
If positive a second test will be carried out using a forensic-standard breathalyzer, CAAS said.
Pilots with more than 0.02 grams per 210 litres of breath will be immediately removed from duty.
"This limit has been determined based on international best practices. It is equivalent to a ‘zero tolerance’ standard, with a small allowance for the potential presence of alcohol in the breath due to other factors such as medication or mouthwash," the regulator said.
As well as random testing, all Singapore registered airlines must adhere to the new Airline Alcohol Management Programme (AAMP), which is a mechanism to manage and rehabilitate pilots and other workers with alcohol problems.
The rules were revamped after a Singapore Airlines pilot failed an alcohol test in Australia last year which forced the cancelation of a Melbourne-Wellington flight.
The pilot was later dismissed.
Under Singapore’s Air Navigation Act, pilots caught under the influence of alcohol can face two years prison and a maximum fine of S$50,000 for a first offence
Currently, pilots at Singapore Airlines group airlines includinf Silkair and Scoot, and Jetstar Asia must have a 10-hour gap of sobriety between ‘bottle and throttle.’
TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
TAP Air Portugal to operate 29 flights due to strike on December 11
Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt
Digital Travel Reporter of the Mirror totally seduced by HotelPlanner AI Travel Agent
Strike action set to cause travel chaos at Brussels airports