Drinking and flying

Pyelot · Jan 30, 2020

This may have been covered in past posts but as a social drinker and a Part 107 pilot (and commercial rotor) I have to always try to remember the law is 8 hours "bottle to throttle" and a blood alcohol level of .04 or below. This is for flights under 107 but maybe needs restating again.

MAvic_South_Oz · Jan 30, 2020

This is something I've never really thought about, though I'm more of a very rare social drinker, even after a hard work day in another states high humidity, I usually prefer a nice cup of tea !!

When I'm 4WDn with mates bush for days or weeks, THEN I love sitting around a campfire of an evening having probably 3 - 4 stubbys (bottles of beer) and a whole load of great socialising ?
So we don't fly at night here, but very often people drinking of a night can get caught driving on the road DUI next day.
I expect its the same with flying.

So, as a full licensed pilot flying a fixed wing or helicopter, you'd expect the same rules.
It's same for part 107 operating a UAV over there ? No drinking (being over the prescribed BAC) and flying ?

I'm really not sure the RePL here in Australia encompasses this rule, but wouldn't be surprised . . . and I'm sure one SHOULD be in control of their abilities when flying in any airspace, and with other property / people nearby.

After all, you can get caught and penalised riding a horse or bike (bicycle) on Australian roads if over the 0.5% BAC.

old man mavic · Jan 30, 2020

no disrespect but not sure why you felt the need to raise this point,i have no time whatsoever for anyone who drink drives, or drinks and flies including UAVs, and if they get caught they should face the full force of the law,but if your post stops one person from contemplating such an act then it will have been worth it

Thanev · Jan 30, 2020

I believe it is 12hours from consuming an alcoholic beverage in Canada...

Pyelot · Jan 30, 2020

In the US airline flight crews have a 12 hour rule as does Canada.

Thanev · Jan 30, 2020

And I believe we are classified the same in Canada as RPAS pilots

Marty Markoe · Jan 31, 2020

old man mavic said:
no disrespect but not sure why you felt the need to raise this point,i have no time whatsoever for anyone who drink drives, or drinks and flies

Let's add handling a firearm to your list. My sportsman's trap shooting club will immediately terminate anyone drinking near trap fields or suspected of having a drink before handling gun. Gladly, we can responsibly imbibe in one of the lounges after shooting.

JimCanada · Jan 31, 2020

Thanev said:
I believe it is 12hours from consuming an alcoholic beverage in Canada...

I can't remember,but it mite be 24 hrs .l have go and check l guess. I'm in Saskatchewan.

Mavic Mac · Jan 31, 2020

14 CFR § 91.17 - Alcohol or drugs.

§ 91.17 Alcohol or drugs.
(a) No person may act or attempt to act as a crewmember of a civil aircraft -

(1) Within 8 hours after the consumption of any alcoholic beverage;

(2) While under the influence of alcohol;

(3) While using any drug that affects the person's faculties in any way contrary to safety; or

(4) While having an alcohol concentration of 0.04 or greater in a blood or breath specimen. Alcohol concentration means grams of alcohol per deciliter of blood or grams of alcohol per 210 liters of breath.

Dave Maine · Jan 31, 2020

Why would you risk your drone? What am I missing?

Thanev · Jan 31, 2020

Dave Maine said:
Why would you risk your drone? What am I missing?

The way the law in Canada is written,you cant legally consume a liquor filled chocolate confection for breakfast and fly before supper.
Darn I miss those breakfasts.

Deleted member 114292 · Jan 31, 2020

The problem is - even after 8 hours your BAL could still be much higher than .004.

BAC Limits

Dangers of elevated BAC (Blood Alcohol Content Limits). Do you know how much alcohol concentration in what period of time will put you over the legal limit?

www.moderation.org

Having said that if you only have one "drink" most people will be to 0 after 2 hours.

Mavic Mac · Jan 31, 2020

Dave Maine said:
Why would you risk your drone? What am I missing?

The same reasons so many people risk their driver license and their life

JimCanada · Jan 31, 2020

Mavic Mac said:
14 CFR § 91.17 - Alcohol or drugs.

§ 91.17 Alcohol or drugs.
(a) No person may act or attempt to act as a crewmember of a civil aircraft -

(1) Within 8 hours after the consumption of any alcoholic beverage;

(2) While under the influence of alcohol;

(3) While using any drug that affects the person's faculties in any way contrary to safety; or

(4) While having an alcohol concentration of 0.04 or greater in a blood or breath specimen. Alcohol concentration means grams of alcohol per deciliter of blood or grams of alcohol per 210 liters of breath.

Right on , Thanks Bro.

Thanev · Jan 31, 2020

Canada
901.19
(2) No person shall act as a crew member of a remotely piloted aircraft system

(a) within 12 hours after consuming an alcoholic beverage;
(b) while under the influence of alcohol; or
(c) while using any drug that impairs the person’s faculties to the extent that aviation safety or the safety of any person is endangered or likely to be endangered

Remember.1 beer...no fly for 12 hours
You cannot even assist the operator in VLOS flying as you are now considered a "crew member"