FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot (UAG)OperationsMedium

A remote pilot in command consumed two alcoholic beverages five hours before a scheduled commercial sUAS flight. According to 14 CFR 107.27, is the pilot legally permitted to act as PIC for this flight?

  1. AYes, because Part 107 does not regulate alcohol consumption for remote pilots
  2. BNo, because the pilot must wait at least 8 hours after consuming alcohol before acting as PIC
  3. CYes, because five hours exceeds the required 4-hour waiting period
  4. DNo, because any alcohol consumption within 24 hours of a flight is prohibited
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: B. No, because the pilot must wait at least 8 hours after consuming alcohol before acting as PIC

14 CFR 107.27 prohibits a person from acting as a remote pilot in command within 8 hours after consuming alcohol, while under the influence of alcohol, or with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.04 or greater. Since only 5 hours have passed, the pilot has not met the required 8-hour waiting period and may not act as PIC.

Why the other options are wrong

  • A. Incorrect; 107.27 specifically addresses alcohol and drug use for remote pilots.
  • C. There is no 4-hour rule; the requirement is 8 hours.
  • D. The rule specifies 8 hours, not 24 hours.

Alcohol/Drug Prohibition (107.27)

A remote pilot may not act as PIC within 8 hours after consuming alcohol, while under the influence, or with a BAC of 0.04 or greater, mirroring the manned-aircraft bottle-to-throttle rule.

  • 8-hour minimum wait after alcohol consumption
  • BAC limit of 0.04 applies
  • Also prohibits operation while impaired by any drug

Memory trick: 'Bottle to throttle: wait a full 8.'

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