Air India replaces operations head who skipped alcohol test
National carrier Air India on Friday replaced its Executive Director (Operations) Captain AK Kathpalia from the post for not taking the breath analyser test. As per law, it is mandatory for all pilots to take the pre-flight medical test before taking flight. Last month, aviation regulator DGCA had suspended Kathpalia?s flying licence for three months for skipping the mandatory test.
National carrier Air India today removed its Executive Director (Operation) Capt. AK Kathpalia for not taking breathe analyser test. He is the oldest pilot in the airlines and this wasn't the first time that a complaint was registered against him. Not long ago, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation had suspended him for three monthsAll pilots are required to take the breath analyser test before they fly."Captain A Kathpalia operated AI DEL-BLR on January 19 without undergoing BA examine test which is contravention to the contain in CAR section-5 series-F part III issue III dated 4 August 2015," DGCA said in an order.The order further adds, "Kathpalia was positioned as executive director operations in Air India. As per the law, it is mandatory to all pilots to examine pre flight medical check-up before taking flight."Kathpalia is also accused of risking the life of former Prime minister Dr Manmohan Singh while he flew him abroad. 