Aviation regulator DGCA has issued new guidelines for pilots and crew members. DGCA has said in its order that pilots and crew members of aircraft cannot use mouthwash, tooth gel or any such substance which contains alcohol. DGCA further said in its order that the use of mouthwash or tooth gel with alcohol content increases the chances of getting positive in breath analyzer test.

DGCA further said that this step has been taken with the intention of making aircraft operations safer. DGCA said that it has streamlined the provisions of the existing rules on the basis of suggestions received from the aviation industry. However, perfume was also included in its draft but it has not been included in the final list.

In this directive issued on October 30, the regulator said, 'No member of the crew shall consume any medicine/formulation or use mouthwash/tooth gel or any such product which contains alcohol. A crew member taking such medicine will have to consult the company doctor before the flight.

According to DGCA, the use of breath analyzer equipment with fuel cell technology has been made mandatory and a process of monitoring and inspection of agencies has been initiated. To provide convenience to aviation companies, DGCA has increased the scope of units undergoing breath analyzer testing. Every member of the crew and support staff will have to undergo a breath test at the airport before taking up flight duty.