CAAS investigating SIA pilot who failed alcohol test

Singapore's aviation regulator has launched a probe into the case of a Singapore Airlines (SIA) pilot who failed an alcohol test in Australia before a flight on Saturday.

It is the first time in 10 years that the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) is investigating such a case, its director of airworthiness and flight operations, Mr Alan Foo, told The Straits Times.

SIA, which has suspended the pilot, is also investigating the case. The incident forced the airline to cancel a flight from Melbourne to Wellington, New Zealand.

Mr Foo said the CAAS takes a serious view of the incident.

He said: "CAAS views substance/alcohol abuse by pilots very seriously.

"It is an offence for any person, including a pilot, when acting as a member of the crew of an aircraft operating out of our airports or for Singapore-registered aircraft, anywhere it is operating, to be under the influence of alcohol."

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Under Singapore's Air Navigation Order, the offence carries a maximum penalty of a fine of up to $100,000, and five years' jail.

Mr Foo said: "It is the responsibility of each pilot to ensure that he or she does not commit such an offence."

Singapore carriers must also ensure that their flight crew abstain from alcoholic drinks for at least eight hours before operating a flight.

SIA requires its cabin crew to abstain for at least 10 hours.

Pilots and cabin crew may report to the CAAS if they suspect that a member of the flight crew is under the influence of substances or alcohol, the authority said.

On top of that, airline pilots licensed in Singapore have to undergo an annual medical assessment, in addition to the physical examination and medical investigations that are usually carried out, Mr Foo said.

SIA said that while it does not conduct random alcohol or substance tests, the airline's flight crew are required to undergo any drug and alcohol tests that are administered by the authorities.