While most people don’t think twice before applying perfume or using hand sanitiser, for pilots, it’s a different story, especially before a flight. According to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) in India, pilots are required to undergo a mandatory breathalyser test before every flight. And surprisingly, something as simple as a whiff of perfume could land them in trouble.
So, what’s the issue? The answer lies in ethyl alcohol, a key ingredient found in many everyday products such as perfumes, colognes, hand sanitizers, and even mouthwash. These are the same types of alcohol breathalyzer devices are designed to detect, and that can lead to false positives, even if the pilot hasn’t consumed any alcohol.
“If a pilot uses hand sanitizer or perfume just before the breathalyzer test, the alcohol vapour in the air or mouth can be picked up by the device,” explains Capt Anil Rao, General Secretary of ALPA India.
Highly Sensitive Devices
Aviation breathalyzers are extremely sensitive. According to Capt Tomar Awdhesh, Director at Golden Epaulettes Aviation, “Even 0.0001% alcohol can be detected. So if alcohol from a perfume is present in the surrounding air or mouth area, it may cause the device to give a false reading.”
This can lead to serious consequences. A pilot may face flight delays, retesting procedures, or even disciplinary action, all stemming from a misinterpreted result.
How Airlines Handle It
To prevent such scenarios, airlines instruct pilots to avoid using alcohol-based products, especially on their hands, face, or clothes, immediately before the test. Instead, most pilots wait until after the breathalyzer test is completed to apply any perfume or sanitizer.
“In many airlines, if a high reading is detected, the test is repeated after a few minutes, usually outdoors in fresh air,” says Capt Rao. This allows any lingering alcohol vapour to dissipate and ensures a more accurate reading.
Safety First: What Pilots Keep in Mind
Here’s what pilots are careful about before taking off:
- Avoid applying perfume, cologne, or scented sprays before the breathalyzer test.
- Do not use alcohol-based hand sanitizers, especially near the mouth or nose area.
- If flagged, request a retest after waiting 5–10 minutes in open air.
- Only use such products after clearing the breath test.
While it might seem like a small thing, skipping that quick spritz of perfume is a vital part of flight safety protocol. The goal is simple, ensure pilots are completely sober and fit to fly, with no room for error, even if it comes from a bottle of cologne.
So, the next time you’re on a flight, rest assured: your pilot is not only trained and licensed but also very careful about what they wear, right down to their fragrance-free routine.
