Air India removes operations director Captain AK Kathpalia from his post - oldest pilot in the airlines, but was known for his unlawful attitude

National carrier Air India today removed its Executive Director (Operation) Capt. AK Kathpalia for not taking breathalyzer test.

He is the oldest pilot in the airlines and this wasn't the first time that a complaint was registered against him. Not long ago, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation had suspended him for three months

All pilots are required to take the breathalyzer test before they fly.

"Captain A Kathpalia operated AI DEL-BLR on January 19 without undergoing BA examine test which is contravention to the contain in CAR section-5 series-F part III issue III dated 4 August 2015," DGCA said in an order.

The order further adds, "Kathpalia was positioned as executive director operations in Air India. As per the law, it is mandatory to all pilots to examine pre-flight medical check-up before taking flight."

Kathpalia is also accused of risking the life of former Prime minister Dr Manmohan Singh while he flew him abroad.

The CCPA had objected to him being made ED (Operation), but the airline intervened. Unfortunately, this time the latter does not have any choice.

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