Archive · 19 Aug 2026
Indian Pilots Seek Higher Random Drug Testing Rates
The Federation of Indian Pilots wants pilots to be tested for drugs more often.
Currently, at least 10% of pilots are randomly tested each year.
The group suggested increasing that number to 20-25%.
It believes aviation has grown and pilots have important safety responsibilities.
The group also wants tests to happen at unpredictable times.
A pilot could be selected more than once under its proposal.
The federation wants pilots to learn that some medicines and herbal products may affect their performance.
These products could also cause a drug test to show a positive result.
The Federation of Indian Pilots urged the Directorate General of Civil Aviation to revise the drug-testing framework.
It proposed raising annual random screening of pilots from 10% to at least 20-25%.
The federation said testing levels should reflect the growth and safety-critical nature of civil aviation.
It recommended allowing repeat selection and distributing tests unpredictably throughout the year.
The FIP also proposed awareness programmes about prescription, over-the-counter and herbal products that could affect performance or trigger positive tests.
- Who
- The Federation of Indian Pilots made the recommendation to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation.
- What
- It proposed overhauling the drug-testing framework and increasing annual random pilot screening to 20-25% from 10%.
- When
- The recommendation was made on Tuesday; the articles do not provide a specific date.
- Where
- The proposal was submitted to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation in India.
- Why
- The federation said aviation, including fleet size, pilot numbers and operational intensity, has grown, while the sector remains safety-critical.
- Current annual screening benchmark
- 10% of pilots
- Proposed annual screening
- At least 20-25% of pilots
- Requesting organization
- Federation of Indian Pilots
- Recipient
- Directorate General of Civil Aviation
- Testing approach proposed
- Repeat selection permitted, with testing distributed unpredictably throughout the year
- Additional proposal
- An awareness programme covering prescription, over-the-counter and herbal products