Federal Aviation Regulations Regarding Drugs and Alcohol

When pilots disregard their duties to act according to federal aviation regulations, the lives of all of the passengers on board are placed at risk. One of the ways in which a number of American pilots have violated their roles of responsibility is by consuming alcohol or drugs before taking control of an aircraft. At the very least, this behavior can threaten the lives of every person aboard the aircraft at the time. Even in cases where the intoxicated pilot is able to land the plane without incident, choosing to fly while under the influence is criminal.

Alcohol and Drug Regulations

Since even the slightest error on behalf of a pilot can lead to the devastating consequences of an airplane crash, American commercial and private pilots are held to strict standards when it comes to alcohol and other intoxicants. According to the Federal Aviation Administration, a pilot is prohibited from operating an aircraft if he or she:

• Has consumed alcohol within eight hours of the flight

• Is currently under the influence of alcohol or narcotics

• Has a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .04 percent or higher

Pilots who fail to adhere to these requirements and get caught could face imprisonment, fines, and the revocation of their license.

Contact a Lexington Plane Accident Attorney

At Wilson & McQueen, PLLC, our plane accident attorneys understand the intense level of trust you place in aircraft pilots when you choose to fly. We also understand how severe the consequences of any violation of that trust can be. If you or a loved one has been the victim of a negligent airplane pilot, call our Lexington office today to speak to an attorney about your case.