pilot arrested, removed from duty at vancouver airport over alleged alcohol use: report
2 minute read
we apologize, but this video has failed to load.
try refreshing your browser, or
tap here to see other videos from our team.
tap here to see other videos from our team.
an air india pilot was pulled from duty at vancouver international airport last month after allegedly showing up for work under the influence of alcohol, the reuters news agency reported on friday.
richmond rcmp confirmed that an airline pilot was arrested on dec. 23 at yvr “following a report of concern involving a crew member preparing to report for duty.”
“the flight was delayed for several hours as a result, but did depart safely later that afternoon without further issues,” cpl. kenneth lau said in a statement.
citing a source familiar with the matter, reuters reported the incident involved a boeing 777 scheduled to fly from vancouver to delhi and that the pilot was removed from the flight before its departure after two breathalyzer tests showed the pilot was unfit for duty.
transport canada labelled the incident a “serious matter” and asked air india to investigate, reuters reported.
yvr confirmed that “rcmp responded to a concern pertaining to an air india crew member ahead of the airline’s scheduled daily flight from vancouver to delhi.”
an airport spokesperson told postmedia that another pilot was brought in for the flight. the 777 is designed to be flown with two pilots, but a third relief pilot is routinely on board for such long-haul flights.
advertisement
transport canada said in a statement it was aware of an incident involving an air india pilot on dec. 23, and that it would continue to engage with air india and the directorate general of civil aviation of india to “ensure appropriate followup actions are taken.”
“dgca india, as the state of the operator, retains primary responsibility for regulatory oversight of air india.”
federal regulations prohibit pilots from working within 12 hours of consuming alcohol, or while under the influence of alcohol or drugs that impair the worker’s faculties “to the extent that the safety of the aircraft or of persons on board is endangered in any way,” according to transport canada.
failing to comply can result in licence suspension or cancellation, fines or other legal action.
in a statement, air india apologized for the disruption on flight ai186 and said the pilot has been taken off flying duties while the investigation continues. the plane departed about seven hours behind schedule, according to the flightradar24 flight-tracking website.
“air india maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards any violation of applicable rules and regulations. pending the outcome of the investigation, any confirmed violation will attract strict disciplinary action in line with company policy.”
advertisement
“safety remains air india’s highest priority at all times,” it added.
share story
