SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/pilot-alcohol-limit-004
What blood or breath alcohol concentration bars a pilot from acting as a crewmember?
0.04 or greater, under 14 CFR 91.17.
- 0.08 or greater
- 0.10 or greater
- 0.04 or greater ✔
Why: Rule 91.17 says no one may act as a crewmember with an alcohol concentration of 0.04 or more. That is half the 0.08 general driving limit used in most states.
Huh, didn't know that: The same rule also bans flying while under the influence or within 8 hours of drinking any alcohol.
Why don't pilots drink at the bar before a flight? They would rather raise the landing gear than the bar tab.
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References
Answer: 0.04 or greater. Rule 91.17 says no one may act as a crewmember with an alcohol concentration of 0.04 or more. That is half the 0.08 general driving limit used in most states.
- 14 CFR 91.17 Alcohol or drugs www.ecfr.gov/current/title-14/section-91.17
While having an alcohol concentration of 0.04 or greater in a blood or breath specimen.
Checked 2026-10-09.
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