The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has recently issued a new directive that forbids crew members from using mouthwash and drugs containing alcohol. In an effort to ensure passenger safety and maintain utmost professionalism, this prohibition is in effect during flight duty.

The DGCA's decision comes as a response to a growing concern regarding impaired performance among flight crew. The consumption of alcohol or alcohol-based substances like mouthwash and drugs can potentially affect their cognitive abilities and judgment during critical situations.

Alcoholic mouth rinses and medicines can produce a brief but noticeable level of alcohol in an individual's breath, which could be detected through breathalyzer tests. With this in mind, prohibiting crew members from using these products aims to prevent any confusion or suspicion arising from possible false-positive results.

By strictly enforcing this prohibition, DGCA intends to uphold the highest safety standards in the aviation industry. The directive not only protects passengers from potential risks but also safeguards the image of crew members as responsible and reliable individuals.

Furthermore, the prohibition aligns with international aviation regulations and industry best practices. Many other countries and airlines also place similar restrictions on alcohol usage by flight crew.

To ensure compliance, airlines will have to conduct regular checks, educating crew members about the substances that are prohibited for use during flight duty. They must also emphasize the potential consequences of violating these regulations, which may include disciplinary actions or even termination of employment.

However, it is important to note that the DGCA is not prohibiting the use of alcohol or alcohol-based substances outside of flight duty. Crew members will still be able to use these products during their leisure time, as long as it does not interfere with their flight responsibilities.

To facilitate the implementation of this directive, airlines are expected to update their policies and communicate the new regulations effectively to the crew. Clear guidelines should be provided to help crew members understand which specific products are prohibited and why.

In conclusion, the DGCA's recent directive prohibits crew members from using mouthwash and drugs containing alcohol during flight duty. The aim is to safeguard passenger safety and maintain the professionalism of the aviation industry. This prohibition aligns with international regulations and industry standards, and airlines will have to ensure compliance and educate their crew members accordingly.