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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/comm-bottle-throttle

How many hours must pass after drinking alcohol before you may act as a crewmember?

8 hours, and your blood alcohol must be below 0.04.

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  1. 4 hours
  2. 8 hours ✔
  3. 12 hours

Why: Section 91.17(a) bars acting as a crewmember within 8 hours after drinking any alcoholic beverage, while under the influence, or with an alcohol concentration of 0.04 or greater. The FAA can require test results taken within 4 hours.

Huh, didn't know that: The 8-hour rule is a minimum. A pilot can still be unfit, and prohibited, after 8 hours.

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What does a pilot order at the bar? Nothing. He's flying.
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References

Answer: 8 hours. Section 91.17(a) bars acting as a crewmember within 8 hours after drinking any alcoholic beverage, while under the influence, or with an alcohol concentration of 0.04 or greater. The FAA can require test results taken within 4 hours.

  1. 14 CFR 91.17 Alcohol or drugs (Cornell LII eCFR mirror) www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/14/91.17
    Within 8 hours after the consumption of any alcoholic beverage
    Checked 2026-10-10.

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