FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot (UAG)RegulationsMedium
A remote pilot had two alcoholic drinks at a company dinner that ended at 11:00 PM. He is scheduled to act as remote PIC for a commercial drone survey at 6:00 AM the next morning. According to 14 CFR Part 107, is he permitted to conduct this flight?
- AYes, because 7 hours have passed since his last drink
- BNo, alcohol consumption within 24 hours of any flight is always prohibited
- CYes, as long as he passes a visual sobriety check before takeoff
- DNo, because he must wait at least 8 hours from bottle to throttle and must not be impaired or have a blood alcohol concentration of 0.04 or greater
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. No, because he must wait at least 8 hours from bottle to throttle and must not be impaired or have a blood alcohol concentration of 0.04 or greater
14 CFR 107.27 prohibits acting as a remote PIC within 8 hours of consuming alcohol, while under the influence, or with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.04 or greater. Since only 7 hours elapsed, the pilot has not met the 8-hour requirement and may not conduct the flight.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. 7 hours is less than the required 8-hour minimum, so this is incorrect.
- B. The rule is an 8-hour window and BAC limit, not a blanket 24-hour prohibition.
- C. There is no provision for a visual sobriety check substituting for the 8-hour rule.
Alcohol/Drug Restriction (107.27)
Remote PICs may not fly within 8 hours of alcohol consumption, while impaired, or with BAC of 0.04 or greater.
- 8-hour bottle-to-throttle rule
- BAC limit of 0.04
- Also prohibits flying under influence of any drug affecting faculties
Memory trick: 'Eight hours, oh-four percent, no exceptions meant.'