Why can’t pilots wear perfume? This is the reason why it is banned

New Delhi: If you have ever traveled by plane, then you would be aware of the rules like passenger luggage and using the device in airplane mode. Apart from this, you would also be aware of the rules for the pilot to give way to other planes or to overtake. But do you know that pilots are prohibited from wearing perfume before entering the cockpit of the plane? Let’s know what is the reason behind this strange rule and why it is necessary for them.

Pilots also have to take a breathalyzer test
According to the guidelines of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, responsible for the operation of aircraft in India, every pilot has to take a breathalyzer test (blowing into a device, which checks the amount of alcohol in the body through your breath) before operating any aircraft. This ensures that he is conscious and fit to fly the plane.

However, not only alcohol, but perfume, mouthwash and hand sanitizer also contain ethyl alcohol. Therefore, even if the pilot has not consumed alcohol and has used any of these products, the device can still show incorrect readings. To avoid risk, pilots are advised to stay away from these things.

There is a big loss
Explaining this rule, a pilot Captain Tomar Awadhesh has shared a video on Instagram. In the video, he says that it is not that we do not like perfumes. Actually, this device can detect even 0.0001 percent alcohol due to its sensitivity. Due to incorrect reading, sometimes the flight gets delayed or strict action can be taken against the pilot.

DGCA had issued a draft
In the year 2023, DGCA had issued a draft clarifying the rules for the flight crew, in which this rule was emphasized. Apart from this, there was also a talk about crew members consulting and taking permission from the company doctor before boarding the flight after consuming alcohol-containing medications.