Pilot Body Urges DGCA Confidentiality, Warns on 'Non-Negative' Tests

Pilots fly airplanes and need to be healthy and alert while working.

In India, a group called ALPA India represents airline pilots.

India's aviation safety office, known as the DGCA, tests pilots for drugs to keep flights safe.

Recently, a pilot got a 'non-negative' test result after flying a plane that hit very rough weather.

ALPA India says a 'non-negative' result does not mean the pilot used drugs.

Some everyday medicines, like cough syrup, and even special festive foods can make a test look suspicious.

These things are not illegal drugs, but they can trick the test.

ALPA India asked the DGCA to keep test results private and to follow fair, careful rules.

It also told pilots to tell their doctors about any medicines they take.

If a pilot is confirmed to have used drugs for the first time, the rules call for counseling and help, not instantly losing the job.