Alcohol Limit for Pilots

[AltFlaps]

Does anone have a reference to the official CAA/Gov limits in the UK for Blood or Breath Alcohol Limits for pilots ?

Does anyone out there have their own 'Breath Tester', and do you think its worth purchasing one ?

Thanks in advance

AF

[Lasiorhinus]

Only worth purchasing one if you think you will regularly be 'borderline' for flying.

Dont forget the eight hour rule, either.

Methinks rather than getting a breathalyser, it would be easier and simpler (not to mention cheaper) to lay off a bit of the booze the night before flying.

[AltFlaps]

Lasior,

Thanks for the advice ... but I'm not asking whether or not you think I drink too much (I don't by the way) !

I recently bought a very cheap breath test device that has given me a caution (0.2 BrAC) almost 14 hours after drinking 2 pints of lager.

This surprised me greatly - hence the question ...

[srobarts]

As I understand these gizmos, the cheap ones, are aimed at the motorist market and are not very accurate. Many don't measure below 0.2% but will give a warning if they sense alcohol.
I think I heard the Pilot level is 0.2% and so the cheap ones would not be much use.
When I was tempted to buy one to avoid the the dreaded morning after problem for driving I found this site most useful as it guides you through the alternatives.
http://www.ukbreathalysers.com

[Spitoon]

Section 92 of Railways and Transport Safety Act 2003 (http://www.opsi.gov.uk/acts/acts2003/ukpga_20030020_en_1).

[idol detent]

http://www.caa.co.uk/docs/33/CAP%20768.pdf
Chapter 6 is the one to look for.
The minimum acceptable period will
be eight hours but may need to be longer depending upon the amount of alcohol
consumed
And the limits are:
4.6.1 When performing an aviation function or ancillary activity, other than acting as a
licensed maintenance engineer, the prescribed limit of alcohol referred to in
paragraph 4.6 is:
a) In the case of breath: 9 μg of alcohol in 100 ml.
b) In the case of blood: 20 mg of alcohol in 100 ml.
c) In the case of urine: 27 mg of alcohol in 100 ml.
Safe flying....


(Modified 'cause previous post was deleted)

[Aussie]

8hrs Bottle to throttle!!!!

[Flintstone]

Eight feet bottle to throttle, surely?

[stilton]

Since no one has answered your question !'

I purchased from 'Sharper image' in the states their 'Alcohawk' detector
it is government certified in this country.

Without getting into ones personal habits which are your business only, my opinion is that it is exceptionally cheap insurance.

Whether it is you or someone else that is, shall we say, possibly unfit, a 10 second blow is the difference between calling in sick , or ruining your professional life or worse..

Seems an easy call

[Lemper]

Without any prejudice to the intentions of AltFlaps in asking his question, I think there might be a good use for such an aparatus; indeed, some airlines (mostly asian) do not tolerate ANY percentage of alcohol detected in their breathalyser, nor would they confirm (or infirm) the breathalyser test by a blood test. I know of some pilot who, though being teetotaller, had nearly lost his job, and got away with a big fine, because alcohol had been detected in his breath. That was due to the fact that, having eaten very garlicky food, he wanted to refresh his mouth and used a lot of mouthwash; unfortunately, little did he know these things containe alcohol!

[MAXYCHATTER]

Lots of old wives tales abound about breathalysers - fact is that at the levels for civil aviation any breathalyser will not be adequate as admissible evidence - a blood/urine test will be required. Mate of mine was nicked having had 0 alcohol for 24 hrs but he was on a high protein diet. As fat is broken down the body produces natural alcohol, spot check and on the breathalyser blew 11 ug/100ml (Limit is 9) - blood test came back 0 !
Lots of quality units on the market, traffic cop friend of mine recommended the Alcovisor Mk X for pilots - same accuracy as Police unit as it uses the same sensor apparently !

Loads of companies selling top level stuff -

Alcovisor Mk X Breathalyser, Breathalyzer Mk X, Mk X, Alcovisor (http://www.breathalyzersolutions.co.uk/Alcovisor_breathalyzer.html)
Breathalyzer Alcovisor Mk X, alcovisor, Mk X (http://www.ukbreathalyzershop.co.uk/Alcovisor.htm)
Alcovisor Mk X Breathalyser, Alcovisor Breathalyzer, Alcohol Testing, Breath Tester. (http://www.breathalyserstore.co.uk/Alcovisormkx_breathalyser.html)
UK's Leading Breathalyzer, Breathalyser, & Alcohol Testing Specialists (http://www.breathalyserdirect.co.uk/)

[MAXYCHATTER]

Just bought an Alcovisor Mk X from the outfit below who are keen to supply quality breathalysers to pilots etc. Arrived next day . Very professional and helpful. They also supply UK and US Police grade equipment so know their stuff very well and ship overseas at cost.

Offered a 10% discount off the full price by using code VS

Apparently have sold quite a few to VS pilots and crew hence the discount but they tell me that they are happy for anyone to use !!

www.breathalyserdirect.co.uk (http://www.breathalyserdirect.co.uk)

What price peace of mind ?

[BelArgUSA]

No smoking within 8 hours of flight...
No drinking withing 35 feet of airplane...
(hips... burp...)
xxx
:E
Happy ccco...co...contrails... and cheers for 2009.
(s) Capt. Foster Brooks... (with Dean Martin)

[airman13]

the rules are the following:
- nobody may commence a duty having 0.2 or more grams of alcohol in 1 liter of blood
-nobody may commence a duty , if within 8 hrs before, has drink alcohol
-for hard (heavy) drinkers the better is to stop drinking 24 hrs before the flight ......cheers!.... a la vötre!...... sherefe! .....egesh eghere!.......no zdravje!...... proust!....... norok! ........bahto delo!!!!!!!!!!!

[MAXYCHATTER]

''Those cheap gizmos are known to give inaccurate readings''

I agree entirely, that there are some cheap gizmos on the market not worth buying, but I am talking about a serious breathalyser employing a Police grade sensor or actually a Police issue breathalyser. Not too many decent suppliers out there but a lot selling rubbish. Had a mate recommend another outfit who also supply Police products:
Breathalyser Store - Breathalyser, Breath Tester, Breathalysers, Breathalyzer, Alcohol Testing. (http://www.breathalyserstore.co.uk/)