Ten Virgin Australia employees are appealing their dismissal after failing to comply with the company’s drug and alcohol management plan (DAMP).
Part 99 of the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations (CASR) sets out:
a framework for the development of drug and alcohol management plans (DAMPs) for people involved in safety sensitive aviation activities (SSAAs)
a regime for random drug and alcohol tests conducted by, or on behalf of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA).
But it’s not just alcohol and recreational drugs that require such strict scrutiny.
Guidance is provided for medical examiners when assessing medications for use in aviation, highlighting:
The guidance applies to all drugs, whether herbal, over-the-counter or prescription;
Just because a medication is available over-the-counter doesn’t mean it is automatically safe in aviation;
All medications are considered hazardous;
Inclusion in the 'Approved List' does not mean these medications are without hazard. In case of any concern, medical advice must be sought.
Medications prohibited in aviation
The following are a selection of commonly used medications which are prohibited for use in aviation. You must not exercise the privileges of your medical certificate while taking these medications, and must be cleared by your Designated Aviation Medical Examiner (or CASA) following cessation.
Just because a medication is not on this list, does not imply it is approved.
Sedating antihistamines
Cetirizine (Alzene™, Zyrtec™)
Heart medications
Glyceryl Trinitrate (Minitran™, Nitro-Dur™, Transiderm-Nitro™, Anginine™)
Isosorbine Mononitrate (Duride™, Imdur™, Imtrate™, Monodur™)
Pain medications
Codeine (Codalgin™, Panadeine™, Codalgin Forte™, Panadeine Forte™, Aspalgin™)
Oxycodone (Endone™, Oxycontin™, Oxynorm™, Targin™)
Tramadol (Tramal™, Tramedo™, Zydol™)
Smoking cessation:
Varenicline (Champix™)
Weight loss medication:
Phentermine (Duromine™).
Even greater threat
Data is now emerging of a new drug posing an even greater threat to aviation safety. It’s use is widespread and the list of possible impairments is staggering. Over 50,000 events representing ‘risk to flight safety’ in the working age group 18 - 65 year olds have been reported in Australia since Februray 2021.
These events include incompacitation of pilots at the controls of airline jets.
How seriously will the threat be taken?
Time will tell how the justice system will deal with these accusations. Safety is paramount in the operation of an airline. There can be no consumer confidence without it.
For the people involved, the consequences can be quite severe. It is a criminal offence to threaten the safety of an aircraft.
Interestingly, in this particular case, the employees lost their jobs because they refused to take the drug.