SEPANG: The norm is “eight hours between the bottle and throttle” for aviators.
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That is the standard practice for aircrew to abstain from alcohol consumption – eight hours before their flight duty resumes – to adequately allow the body to recover from intoxication and perform their tasks proficiently.
And now, just when the aviation industry sees some hope of recovery, thousands of cockpit and cabin crew as well as air traffic controllers will be “grounded” for 48 hours even before they take off – to comply with health regulations once they receive the Covid-19 vaccination.
As of last Tuesday, the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) added another rule for aviators under Section 24O of the Civil Aviation Act 1969 (Act 3), concerning the Covid-19 vaccination.
The ‘Civil Aviation Notice’ (CAN) dated Feb 23 and issued by CAAM chief executive officer Capt Chester Voo Chee Soon, informed crew members and air traffic controllers that they shall observe a 48-hour no-duty period after each vaccination dose.
The CAN, made available to The New Straits Times, said individuals receiving vaccinations should monitor their responses and report any adverse effects to the nearest government hospital or clinic.
“It is reminded that aviation personnel are prohibited from performing their duties if adverse effects from vaccination cause them to be unable to perform their duties safely,” the CAN said.
The CAN further reminded crew members to safely retain their vaccination records to facilitate their passage for international duties.
“The vaccination records should be preferably maintained in an acceptable digital format, in the World Health Organisation vaccination booklet, or a certified record from the Health Ministry,” it said.
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The CAN added that although participation is voluntary airlines, chartered and private aircraft operators should encourage all eligible staff members to participate in the vaccination programme.
“All operators are still obliged to provide a safe working environment.
“This necessitates all operators to ensure that reasonable safety precautions are implemented to mitigate the potential risk of viral transmission by practicing physical distancing within the operation areas, temperature checks, compulsory use of face masks and frequent sanitisation,” said the notice.
The CAN, it said could be updated as necessary to accommodate the dynamic nature of the pandemic and also as new information on effectiveness and responses to the vaccines become available.
As a precautionary measure, CAAM would monitor the response to the vaccines and may adjust the policy when necessary, to ensure aviation safety.
The CAN, however, advised crew members and air traffic controllers not to participate in medical trials for the Covid-19 vaccination programme.
“Participation in medical trials is not considered compatible with aviation medical certification,” it said.
It also warned that declarations must be made by individuals with conditions involving severe allergies; pregnancies and breast-feeding functions; Covid-19 positive cases; and immune deficiency conditions.-NST