We were reminded of this a month ago when, on June 16, 2023, 61-year-old Delta Air Lines pilot Lawrence Russell Jr. was arrested for being drunk in the cockpit.
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Federal Aviation Regulation § 91.17 bars a pilot from flying:Within 8 hours of having consumed alcohol; While under the influence of alcohol; While using any drug that adversely affects safety; and.
What happens if an airline pilot is drunk? A pilot who is found to be intoxicated could be fired, lose their pilot's license and face legal action, Keyes told USA TODAY in an email.
Pilots can and sometimes do smoke in the cockpits of business jets. These can be as large as airliners (see BBJ), but usually aren't. Even when a country and/or airline ban smoking in the flight deck, some pilots will ignore the ban and still light up. This was quite common with Asian carriers in the past.
The number of alcohol violations among pilots over the last 20 years has ranged from 5 in 2013 to 25 in 2019. There were 7 pilot alcohol violations in 2022, according to the FAA. Other incidents have happened in other countries.
A technician for Alaska Airlines performed two breathalyzer tests that showed the pilot had a blood alcohol concentration of 0.134 percent and 0.142 percent – both of which were well above the federal limit of 0.04.
Several carriers have relaxed their rules to allow visible tattoos so long as they are deemed “not offensive.” United and Alaska Airlines are two examples–both have a “badge rule”–your ink cannot be larger than your uniform's badge.
Yes, some airline pilots do carry guns in the cockpit but carry a gun lawfully they must belong to a special program called the Federal Flight Deck Officers (FFDOs). This program requires special training and pilots who enroll have strict limitations on when they can use the firearm.
Bottom line. Despite all the security procedures in place nowadays, cockpit visits are still very much possible on most airlines. Just be sure you ask the flight attendant first, and be ready to take “no” for an answer if the pilots are busy and/or not very social.
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.
Pilots Who Fail to Follow FAA Regulations May Face ClaimsThe FAA has cataloged aviation accidents which show various pilot errors that have resulted in crashes. Private and commercial pilots can be held liable when their errors and negligence causes an aviation accident that results in severe injuries or deaths.