Turkish Airlines changes pilot after testing positive for alcohol use

ISTANBUL – Anadolu Agency

The THY has begun to conduct alcohol and drugs tests on its personnel in 2013 who are in critical positions as of February. DHA Photo

A Turkish Airlines (THY) pilot has been exchanged for another before their flight from Istanbul to Luxembourg after the routine test revealed the pilot had been using alcohol.

THY’s Press office said the pilot of flight number TK-1353, which was waiting at Istanbul’s Atatürk Airport to fly to Luxembourg, was exchanged for another pilot after an alcohol test came back positive for the pilot. Turkish Airlines said they have opened an investigation into the pilot who reportedly used alcohol before the flight.

The THY has begun to conduct alcohol and drugs tests on its personnel in 2013 who are in critical positions as of February.

On Nov. 20, 2013, the THY’s press office announced tests started as part of a “procedure to monitor alcohol and psychoactive substances.”

“Critical positions with regard to the operational security are defined by international aviation organizations and they are not limited to pilots and cabin crew members. Dispatchers, load masters, operators, technicians, operation coordinators, chief controllers and plane security officials are also [in crucial positions],” said the statement.

Between 10 and 25 percent of personnel are slated to undergo tests within a year, said the THY statement. “If a positive test is approved in a laboratory analysis, the person will be sent to the discipline board,” said the statement.