Alcohol limits

[Miles Gustaph]

This is a complicated issue and very much depends upon where in the world you are; for example in the United States a Pilot was refused access to an Aeroplane for being suspected as being under the influence, and subsequently received disciplinary action from his company… he thought this was a little unfair and took his employer to court, the courts upheld the employers actions.

Worse still Pilots have been know to have been used as pawns in Political negotiations; two Western Pilots were arrested at an African airport, breathalysed and thrown in jail for being over the limit to fly… the law had changed over night from a modest level to a no alcohol level, after the State where the carrier was registered had taken a less hard line in some trade negotiations the Pilots were released, and shortly after the pervious alcohol level was reintroduced.

There is a big school of thought on this subject at the moment and the loudest consensus of opinion makes several valid points:

• Since the law is different all over the world, and you never know if it changed last night and
• Since everyone is different with a different metabolism and
• Since it cost you a lot of money and time to get your Pilots licence and
• It might be difficult to get another job after a charge of flying or attempting to while under the influence, or as it is in some countries endangering lives
• Why drink alcohol within 24hours of flying?

I do know the social pressure’s & hell the fun that is too be had from a globe-trotting social life, but the world at large has no sympathy at all for any Pilot who is accused of being under the influence.

I don’t want to sound like a party pooper but why after managing to get “The Dream Job” would you want to throw it all away for just another G&T?