Originally Posted by MarcJF
Out of interest, what is the legal limit for alcohol in breath for a pilot? E.g. it's 35 for driving, just wondering if flying is lower?
The EU has set a limit of 20mg/100ml as a limit. As a comparison, the UK driving limit is 80mg/100ml. I'm not sure how this is enforced as it is down to the individual Aviation Authorities to administer.
I don't think it's a carte blance to have a small drink before flying, most operators spitulate a time limit from drinking to flying. I think it's a limit to take into account there may be a small residual blood alcohol from drinking before the time limit and also natural alcohol from the fermentation of the stomach contents - if you've just eaten some fruit for example .
Ironicly for Muslims, the origin of the word alcohol is from arabic!