Can an airline pilot get a DUI?

Following a DUI arrest, airline pilots need to discuss the matter with their employers and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). While the DUI case proceeds in court, the pilot could be temporarily grounded. If the arrest ends in a conviction, most airlines will terminate the pilot.



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FAA regulations say a pilot cannot have a blood or breath alcohol concentration of 0.04 or more, which is half the legal limit for driving in the United States.

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These medical conditions include a personality disorder manifested by overt acts, a psychosis, alcoholism, drug dependence, epilepsy, an unexplained disturbance of consciousness, myocardial infarction, angina pectoris, and diabetes requiring medication for its control.

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Single event less than five years ago, or a single event at any time with an unknown BAC or refused a breathalyzer, or with a BAC of . 15% or higher. Two or more events in the pilot's lifetime or history of dependence or substance use disorder.

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The pilot alcohol limit is anything less than. 03 percent blood alcohol content (BAC). This means that pilots with a BAC at or above . 04 percent will be prohibited from flying.

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The FAA says a pilot will be removed from a plane if their breath alcohol concentration level is 0.04 or greater. Pilots also must not drink within 8 hours before flying, the so-called “bottle to throttle” time period. Some airlines have stricter requirements.

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The FAA says a pilot will be removed from a plane if their breath alcohol concentration level is 0.04 or greater. Pilots also must not drink within 8 hours before flying, the so-called “bottle to throttle” time period.

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But the testing of illegal drugs is not considered a medical examination, and is allowed. For that reason, most pilot job offers include a drug screen but not an alcohol test. A pre-employment drug test is given after an applicant has been considered for a job, but before the employment offer has been made.

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Due to the risks to flight safety posed by ADHD, regulatory authorities worldwide consider ADHD a disqualifying condition for pilots. Unfortunately, pilots sometimes fail to disclose ADHD to their Aviation Medical Examiner (AME).

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The NDR maintains information on individuals whose privilege to operate a motor vehicle has been revoked, suspended, canceled or denied or who have been convicted of serious traffic-related offenses, including DUI. The FAA may identify and discover infractions or convictions based on their search.

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A medical certificate issued by an Examiner is considered to be affirmed as issued unless, within 60 days after date of issuance (date of examination), it is reversed by the Federal Air Surgeon, a RFS, or the Manager, AMCD.

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The airline transport pilot (ATP) is the most advanced pilot certificate one can obtain, and it's necessary for those who want to fly commercial airliners for a living. All commercial airlines now require a pilot applicant to have an ATP certificate.

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Although felons are not strictly barred from becoming pilots, the FAA has leeway in denying licensing. Good moral character is an expected character trait of pilots. If you are unsure about your felony conviction, contact the FAA.

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