Archive · 25 Jun 2025
Why Indian Pilots Avoid Perfume and Sanitizers Before Flights
Pilots can't wear perfume or use hand sanitizer right before flying.
This is because they have to take a breath test to make sure they haven't had any alcohol.
These products contain alcohol, and the alcohol in them can make the breath test give a wrong result, like saying the pilot drank alcohol when they didn't.
The rule is to keep everyone safe.
Pilots are advised against wearing perfume before flights.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) mandates breathalyzer tests for pilots.
Alcohol-based products contain ethyl alcohol, which is measured in breathalyzers.
Alcohol vapor from products like sanitizers can cause false positives.
Captain Anil Rao of ALPA India confirms this potential issue.
- Who
- Pilots and the DGCA.
- What
- Pilots are advised to avoid perfume and sanitizers before flights.
- When
- Before every flight.
- Where
- India
- Why
- To avoid false positives on breathalyzer tests due to alcohol content in the products.
- Regulation Authority
- DGCA
- Test Type
- Breathalyzer
- Affected Products
- Alcohol-based (perfume, sanitizers, mouthwash)
- Potential Result
- False positive