June 21, 2024

Piloting an Aircraft Under the Influence

Piloting an aircraft under the influence of drugs or alcohol is an illegal and very dangerous activity. Many of the laws that apply to driving under the influence also apply to flying under the influence (FUI). In addition to state and federal laws concerning alcohol consumption and flying, pilots also have to follow Federal Aviation Regulations, which are determined by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Alcohol is a depressant that affects the body’s central nervous system, impairing a person’s judgment, vision, balance, and coordination. Impairment of these abilities while piloting an aircraft increases the probability of an accident.

To identify possible FUI offenders, the FAA requires random alcohol testing to be performed on pilots. The FAA also requires alcohol testing for any pilots involved in accidents to verify whether alcohol was a contributing factor. Furthermore, pilots have to undergo background checks for past convictions, specifically for driving under the influence.

Recreational pilots do not operate a plane everyday, whereas in the United States, many people use their land vehicles on a daily basis. Naturally, this makes FUIs particularly dangerous as a result of their inexperience. Also, pilots work in an environment with decreased partial pressure of oxygen and at velocities that well exceed the capabilities of cars, boats, or any other mode of transportation.

Regardless of the type of aircraft being flown, whether it is commercial or private, any pilots under the influence of alcohol or drugs can be charged with an FUI. State, federal, and FAA regulations regarding this offense are very severe. For this reason, the FAA has drawn up explicit rules that regulate alcohol consumption by crew members of commercial and private aircrafts.

It is strictly prohibited for anyone to act as a crew member if he or she is under the influence of alcohol. The FAA states that it is illegal for crew members to consume alcohol within 8 hours prior to a flight and to have a blood alcohol content level of 0.04% or higher. Pilots or crewmembers who violate these rules face serious consequences, including fines, imprisonment, and the revocation of their pilot licenses.

It is also important to note that a drunk driving conviction can affect a pilot’s flying privileges. Pilots are required to report any previous DUI convictions to the FAA, as well as any penalties imposed upon them due to the conviction. A pilot’s flying license can be suspended, and aspiring pilots can be denied licenses if his or her driver’s license has been suspended two times in the past three years.

If you have been charged with a DWI in New York, click here to contact New York’s DWI-focused firm, DWI Team DWI Defense Attorneys, for a free case consultation today. Or call 1-866-792-7800 now.

Share this article

DWI Laws

New York State DWI Laws Overview

The New York State DWI Laws are a vast arena and unless one is ably assisted by a DWI lawyer

DWI Incrimination

Chemical Breath Test: Pros and Cons

Getting stopped by the police is a scary experience for anyone. This article is intended to give motorists some background

DWI Process

DWI Crackdown: New Rules in New York

In a recent post, we discussed Syracuse DWI laws and the potential punishments faced by offenders. Repeat offenders with three

Facing a DWI charge can be overwhelming and isolating. The DWI Team understands the stress and embarrassment associated with such situations. Our non-judgmental approach aims to protect clients’ legal rights, ensuring they remain contributing members of society.

With extensive legal knowledge and strategic defense planning, we address clients’ concerns and focus on protecting the innocent, securing second chances for those who need them.

With over 300 reviews and 5-star ratings, discover why 99% of our clients would recommend us.

This team responded right away, came up with a plan and acted on it right away. Very reasonable and flexible with payment plans and very understanding with my situation if I was in a bind with finances. You can tell they actually want to help you. Highly recommend!

I got caught for drinking and driving on a trip upstate. What an eye-opener that was. I knew I needed to put my life together after that but didn’t know how. I know some people in jail for the same charge. So I assumed that’s where I’d end up but thanks to the guys at DWI team, I got away from the situation with just a 2 point penalty on my license.

Dealing with a DWI charge is something I wouldn’t wish on anyone. Luckily, for me the DWI Team made a bad situation a lot more manageable. They know their stuff when it comes to different types of charges. I was in the thick of a DWI – and their Syracuse DWI Attorneys had my back, helping me get my life back on track, and I owe it to these guys.

If you ever find yourself in a situation like this it can be very overwhelming. Top shelf defense counsel with a network and advisory team is exactly what you will need. You will find all of this and more with The DWI Team! My family and I can’t thank you enough for the hard work and effort your team put in to get us the best possible outcome! Highly recommend The DWI Team to anyone!

Our client, a flight attendant, was charged with DWI and Driving with BAC over .08 after being stopped for speeding. With a BAC of .13 and failed sobriety tests, the case was complex, as a conviction could have cost him his job of 25 years. Our attorneys argued effectively, leading to the dismissal of all charges, preserving his record and employment.

Our client faced a DWI charge with a BAC of .27, potentially resulting in a lifelong criminal record. Our attorneys challenged the legality of the stop, arguing it was based solely on a welfare check. The officer admitted there were no traffic infractions. The judge ruled the stop invalid, suppressing all evidence and dismissing the case.

Our client, with prior DWI charges, was arrested after an off-duty officer suspected intoxication. Initially facing 1-3 years in state prison, our attorneys found inconsistencies in the evidence. They negotiated a plea deal for straight probation, allowing the client to avoid jail time and maintain employment.

Our client was arrested for DWI, Leaving the Scene of a Personal Injury Accident, and Failed to Keep Right. With a career as a Corrections Officer at risk, our attorneys negotiated with the DA’s Office, offering valuable information for felony prosecutions. In exchange, the case was dismissed, leaving our client without a criminal record and his career plans intact.

Piloting an Aircraft Under the Influence