When a pilot is inebriated, his or her ability to fly safely is greatly reduced. Alcohol impairs cognitive function, coordination, and decision-making abilities, all of which are required for flying. Alcohol consumption while flying is unlawful and dangerous, as it can result in accidents, injuries, or fatalities. Airlines have rigorous measures in place to keep inebriated pilots from flying, including pre-flight alcohol tests and disciplinary actions for those who break the regulations.
What happens when I pilot is intoxicated
What happens if an airline pilot is drunk?
A pilot who is found to be intoxicated could be fired, lose their pilot’s license and face legal action.
The Federal Aviation Administration prohibits pilots from working a flight if they have an alcohol concentration of 0.04 or higher in a blood or breath specimen and if they have consumed alcohol within eight hours of duty or on the job. “A more conservative approach is to wait 24 hours from the last use of alcohol before flying,” a pilot safety brochure states. So it’s considered illegal for a pilot to be intoxicated while on duty; such a crime can land him or her in prison. So while boarding a commercial or private plane, don’t be concerned about whether the pilot is intoxicated or not. There’s a law and rules that prohibit a pilot from taking alcohol before boarding.
