In total, they conducted 615 alcohol checks between 7:00 AM and 11:00 AM among cabin and cockpit personnel. Two of the breath tests were positive. A steward registered 125 μg/L (0.24 per mille) and received a fine of 425 euros from the Public Prosecution Service. A stewardess registered 620 μg/L (1.43 per mille) and paid a fine of 1900 euros. In aviation, a maximum of 0.2 per mille is allowed. Flight personnel may not consume alcohol ten hours prior to a flight.
Quick Breath Test
In such checks, the police use a so-called sniffer which allows for faster detection of alcohol use. This is a device in which you can blow briefly once, and within seconds a negative or positive result appears. This ensures that the test proceeds quickly and easily, without causing delays during the security check of the flying personnel. If the quick breath test is positive and detects alcohol, a second test is conducted to measure the amount of alcohol. The person must then undergo a breath analysis test at the police station or at the Marechaussee barracks. Based on that, the police prepare the report and the Public Prosecution Service determines the fine.
Enhancing Safety in Aviation
The Aviation Supervision Team from the National Expertise and Operations Unit regularly conducts such checks among cabin and cockpit personnel of scheduled and private flights at various airports in the Netherlands. This occurs not only at major airports with passenger flights but also at smaller airports where many general aviation flights depart. The checks aim to enhance safety in air traffic.