FAA Private Pilot Helicopter (PRH)RegulationsEasy
A pilot consumed several alcoholic beverages at a party that ended at 2200. The pilot is scheduled to act as pilot in command of a helicopter flight departing at 0500 the next morning. Under 14 CFR 91.17, may the pilot legally act as PIC of this flight?
- ANo, because a minimum of 24 hours must elapse regardless of circumstances
- BNo, because less than 8 hours have elapsed between consuming alcohol and acting as a crewmember
- CYes, because the flight departs after midnight
- DYes, provided the pilot feels no residual effects from the alcohol
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. No, because less than 8 hours have elapsed between consuming alcohol and acting as a crewmember
14 CFR 91.17 prohibits acting as a crewmember within 8 hours after consuming alcohol. From 2200 to 0500 is only 7 hours, which is less than the required 8-hour interval, so the pilot may not legally act as PIC.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. 91.17 specifies 8 hours, not 24 hours, as the minimum interval.
- C. The time of day past midnight is irrelevant; only the elapsed time since drinking matters.
- D. Feeling fine does not override the regulatory 8-hour rule.
Alcohol Restrictions (14 CFR 91.17)
A pilot may not act as a crewmember within 8 hours after consuming alcohol, while under the influence, or with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.04% or greater.
- 8-hour minimum interval ('8 hours bottle to throttle')
- 0.04% BAC limit
- No acting as crewmember while using drugs that affect safety
- Applies to all crewmembers, not just PIC
Memory trick: 8 hours bottle to throttle, 0.04 is the ceiling.