TEST PILOTS Germany advocates random drug, medicine tests for pilots

Posted on 12/29/2015 | About Germany

Germany's transport minister is advocating the introduction of unannounced alcohol, drug and medicine tests for pilots in the country. Transport Minister Alexander Dobrindt's proposal follows the crash in March of a Germanwings jet that killed all 150 people aboard. Prosecutors believe the co-pilot intentionally crashed the plane and say they found torn-up sick notes from doctors at his home.

Dobrindt was quoted Sunday as telling the Bild am Sonntag newspaper that it makes sense for pilots to be tested at random for alcohol, drug and medicine consumption. He said experts see positive effects for air transport safety. He said airlines should be responsible for such tests, adding that “the control system in this form is already established in the US and Australia - Europe should follow suit.”