Volcanoes and earthquakes are not the only things to worry about when travelling through Indonesia. As the odds are, you may get a pilot who’s been smoking a pipe load of crystal meth before takeoff.
For in a shameful time for Indonesian aviation, four pilots working for Lion Air, Indonesia’s booming budget airline, have recently been caught fondling methamphetamine between flights.
Manotar Napitupulu, an adviser for the Indonesian Pilot Federation, says it’s the burgeoning airline industry that’s fuelling narcotics usage amongst pilots. “Pilots make big money”…”methamphetamine is not cheap you know”, he says.
Also a pilot with Garuda Indonesia, Mr Napitupulu bashfully denied that ‘fried flying’ was a regular occurrence, but admitted it was probably time the transport ministry began random drug tests on its pilots.
The Indonesian National Air Carriers Association has remarked the incidents have stripped the country of its aeronautical dignity, and have only added to the sour pickles plaguing this trouble soaked archipelago.
In the west, the behaviour has resulted in Lion Air being banned from Europe. Moreover, the International Air Transport Association has rejected the airline’s membership application, citing safety concerns.
Meanwhile, Lion Air continues to rake in wads of cash throughout South East Asia, while its pilots fly over mountains tinged with excitement.
Travellers, take care, it’s a jungle out there.
Tofu says
February 9, 2012 at 18:38It’s funny how you’d be sent to the gallows for bringing these kind of drugs into Indonesia. This doesn’t surprise me – how many jets have Garuda lost??
Andy Tope says
February 9, 2012 at 19:52Loosest country I’ve ever been to.
I’m not sure about Garuda, but I’m sure they’re more reliable than Lion Air!
Cecil Bloodstone says
March 1, 2012 at 10:40Dear Mr Fox,
I have had some lovely flights over Indonesia, the only shit one was when the pilots had been taking china white from Cambodia. They were constantly nodding off and scoffed all the coffee. The reason I do not mind ice smoking pilots is that due to there addiction they always want to land so they can score, therefore my safety is assured. Better still they never fall asleep. So suck on that party pooper!
Love CB
Susan says
March 8, 2012 at 18:04This news could ruin the airline’s reputation yet could save lives. It is hard to imagine traveling with a drug induced pilot. The news is kind of scary and I hope the airlines can be thorough when checking their pilots.
Andy Tope says
March 21, 2012 at 12:08Me too Susan! Thanks for poppin’ in 🙂
Lily says
March 30, 2012 at 06:53Very good blog you have here but I was wondering if you knew of any user discussion forums that cover the same topics discussed in this article? I’d really love to be a part of community where I can get advice from other knowledgeable individuals that share the same interest. If you have any recommendations, please let me know. Also would you mind if I share your blog with my zynga group? There’s a lot of people that I think would really appreciate your content. Please let me know. I’ll go ahead and bookmark your site to come back in the future Appreciate it!
Andy Tope says
April 12, 2012 at 22:09Hey Lilly, no idea. I would be slightly concerned if there were numerous scenarios on this topic. I Hope it doesn’t happen too often!
Thank you for popping in (pop!). And please come back, The Fox Gazette needs you!