Air India Pilots Positive Cannabis Test Sparks Debate Over Aviation Safety.

Reports that an Air India pilot tested positive for cannabis after a flight have sparked debate over the reliability of drug testing in aviation.

The Incident and Investigation

An Airbus A320 operated by Air India was flying from Phuket to Delhi when it suddenly lost about 91m (300ft) of altitude, injuring 13 passengers and four crew members. The incident is under investigation.

Both pilots underwent routine post-flight screening for psychoactive substances, India's aviation ministry said. It stated that the captain's initial test produced a result requiring 'confirmatory testing', which led to both pilots being removed from flying duties pending the inquiry.

Earlier this week, media reports cited sources as saying that the captain subsequently tested positive for marijuana in a confirmatory laboratory test. Air India has not confirmed the result, but the reports have triggered a storm over pilot drug testing and aviation safety in India.

The Science Behind Cannabis Testing

There is currently no clear understanding of how to turn a positive cannabis test into a reliable timestamp for impairment. While much is known about how cannabis affects performance on complex tasks, the relationship between cannabis use and impaired judgment or decision-making is not yet fully understood.

A 1976 experiment involving pilots found that marijuana use led to errors in altitude, heading, and radio navigation, with effects evident for at least two hours and disappearing within four to six hours. However, this study has limitations, and more research is needed to establish a reliable correlation between cannabis use and pilot performance.

What Does It Tell Us?

The question on everyone's mind is whether the reported positive test had anything to do with the sudden loss of altitude. The answer remains unclear, as investigators are examining the incident more broadly, including technical, operational, medical, and human factors.

Ultimately, a positive cannabis test does not necessarily provide conclusive evidence of impairment at the time of flight. Further research is needed to establish a reliable method for detecting cannabis use and its potential impact on pilot performance.