Too Drunk to Fly? Federal Blood-Alcohol Limits for Pilots
April 24, 2013 By The Law Office of Marc S. Kohnen
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In January 2013, a pilot was arrested after failing a breathalyzer test in the cockpit. The pilot was about to take off with more than 50 passengers aboard the plane.
In January of this year, an American Eagle pilot getting ready to take off from the Minneapolis airport with 53 passengers on board was arrested by police who suspected him of being under the influence of alcohol. Arriving in his cockpit with a breathalyzer device, police tested the pilot and later escorted him off the aircraft. They were apparently tipped off by someone who smelled alcohol on the pilot as he walked past a checkpoint on his way to his plane. Investigators would not release information as to the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) results of the breathalyzer test but the pilot was suspended while the investigation was pending.
The federal blood alcohol limit for pilots is .04 percent, which is half the level which will lead to a drunk driving charge in most states in the country. According to FAA data, about 12 commercial pilots per year are found to be in violation of this rule. This is a tiny percentage in comparison to the 11,000 pilots who are tested every year. Airline crashes related to alcohol abuse are extremely rare. Still, the potential for large-scale injury and death can be huge should such an alcohol-related airplane crash occur. Because of this, the FAA maintains a vigilant stance on ensuring that pilots don’t drink and fly, for which everyone can be thankful.
A drunk driving, drunk boating, or drunk flying charge is a very serious criminal situation which can lead to serious consequences, especially for those in a professional capacity such as a commercially-licensed truck driver, taxi driver, public transportation driver or operator, or commercial pilot. A license suspension can potentially ruin one’s career. For anyone else, it can seriously disrupt your life, making it difficult to get to work, school, or elsewhere. Additionally, you will face heavy financial repercussions, potential jail time, community service, DUI school, and probation. If convicted, you will have a criminal record.
Getting proper legal representation can minimize the consequences or even result in a dismissal in some cases.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: The Law Office of Marc S. Kohnen
The Law Office of Marc S. Kohnen offers skilled legal counsel for anyone facing a DUI or other criminal charge in the San Diego area. Mr. Kohnen has worked on many high-profile criminal cases that have been featured on news media such as CBS, ABC, CNN, Fox News, and more. Attorney Kohnen is very experienced in the intricacies of DUI cases and understands the tactics prosecutors use to seek convictions, and employs his seasoned knowledge to prepare comprehensive defenses for his clients. He is dedicated to defending the rights of the accused and will work vigorously as your legal advocate.
Copyright The Law Office of Marc S. Kohnen
More information about The Law Office of Marc S. Kohnen
Disclaimer: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this publication, it is not intended to provide legal advice as individual situations will differ and should be discussed with an expert and/or lawyer. For specific technical or legal advice on the information provided and related topics, please contact the author.
The federal blood alcohol limit for pilots is .04 percent, which is half the level which will lead to a drunk driving charge in most states in the country. According to FAA data, about 12 commercial pilots per year are found to be in violation of this rule. This is a tiny percentage in comparison to the 11,000 pilots who are tested every year. Airline crashes related to alcohol abuse are extremely rare. Still, the potential for large-scale injury and death can be huge should such an alcohol-related airplane crash occur. Because of this, the FAA maintains a vigilant stance on ensuring that pilots don’t drink and fly, for which everyone can be thankful.
A drunk driving, drunk boating, or drunk flying charge is a very serious criminal situation which can lead to serious consequences, especially for those in a professional capacity such as a commercially-licensed truck driver, taxi driver, public transportation driver or operator, or commercial pilot. A license suspension can potentially ruin one’s career. For anyone else, it can seriously disrupt your life, making it difficult to get to work, school, or elsewhere. Additionally, you will face heavy financial repercussions, potential jail time, community service, DUI school, and probation. If convicted, you will have a criminal record.
Getting proper legal representation can minimize the consequences or even result in a dismissal in some cases.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: The Law Office of Marc S. Kohnen
The Law Office of Marc S. Kohnen offers skilled legal counsel for anyone facing a DUI or other criminal charge in the San Diego area. Mr. Kohnen has worked on many high-profile criminal cases that have been featured on news media such as CBS, ABC, CNN, Fox News, and more. Attorney Kohnen is very experienced in the intricacies of DUI cases and understands the tactics prosecutors use to seek convictions, and employs his seasoned knowledge to prepare comprehensive defenses for his clients. He is dedicated to defending the rights of the accused and will work vigorously as your legal advocate.
Copyright The Law Office of Marc S. Kohnen
More information about The Law Office of Marc S. Kohnen
View all articles published by The Law Office of Marc S. Kohnen
Disclaimer: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this publication, it is not intended to provide legal advice as individual situations will differ and should be discussed with an expert and/or lawyer. For specific technical or legal advice on the information provided and related topics, please contact the author.
