X-Forces
Big Black Guy
Of all the problems that that can plauge a professional pilot, I am glad to know that this is one I shall never (even thought they say never say never) have to deal with.
AA (Aviation and Alcohol)
- Thread starter skydog
- Start date
Of all the problems that that can plauge a professional pilot, I am glad to know that this is one I shall never (even thought they say never say never) have to deal with.
Old Pete
Cockpit Authoritarian
:yeahthat:I was going to post that. In fact I have read that the severity of one's hangover is related to how fast your body breaks down the acetaldehyde. Evidently this can be determined by genetics http://www.forbes.com/lifestyle/health/feeds/hscout/2005/07/14/hscout526815.html
The drug Antabuse, used to "treat" alcoholics, interferes with the body's ability to break down acetaldehyde causing the acetaldehyde to spike and instantly causing vomiting and headache with the ingestion of any alcohol. I fail to see the ethics in a physician prescribing Antabuse, but I suppose that's a topic for another forum.
the law gets involved if you walk into the plane and/or flight deck... then that's when it civil/criminal can become part of the whole mess because your putting other lives in danger
from what i've noticed via experience...the older you get, the longer it takes for recovery which must mean that the body breaks the acetaldehydes down slower.. so question is: is there a way to fix that (esp with new years coming round)??
X-Forces
Big Black Guy
That is actually what I would have thought, but I am almost certain, in the case I am think of, that the pilots hadn't gotten that far yet?
I recall that they were taken from an airport lounge, I think?
I am going to see if I can find the actually story online to make sure I am not talking out my blowhole.
Old Pete
Cockpit Authoritarian
from what i've noticed via experience...the older you get, the longer it takes for recovery which must mean that the body breaks the acetaldehydes down slower.. so question is: is there a way to fix that (esp with new years coming round)??
That certainly seems logical (regarding age) although I don't know if that has been proven. The only advice I would give is stay hydrated and it wouldn't hurt to take some anti oxidant vitamins such as Vitamin C, B vitamins including b-6, b12 and possibly amino acid cysteine. In fact one of the treatments for a severe reaction to Antabuse and alcohol is IV vitamin C.
lindseyv
Well-Known Member
At what point are you in trouble? (I know this sounds stupid) but I know of several guys that were caught and the airline actually offers a program for alcoholics. Basically if you come forward and say, "yeah, I have a problem" they put you through rehab and from what I understand you don't loose your job. Is it once you have left the gate or something?
BTW, in no way am I saying that it is okay to fly under the influence...just in case there was confusion there.
BTW, in no way am I saying that it is okay to fly under the influence...just in case there was confusion there.
My Flight Surgeon
Sr. Aviation Medical Examiner
from what i've noticed via experience...the older you get, the longer it takes for recovery which must mean that the body breaks the acetaldehydes down slower.. so question is: is there a way to fix that (esp with new years coming round)??
Unfortunately the answer is NO
You can eat to slow down the absorption of the alcohol. Also, if you consume drinks with less than 10% alcohol (why drink then? you ask) the absorption is slower than if the alcohol content is 10-30%. Above 30% the alcohol level causes inflammation of teh intestinal lining which increases alcohol absorption and causes pain from gastritis.
X-Forces
Big Black Guy
I looked into some past stories of drunken pilots, and I was wondering if there is some inconsistency with the actual procedure and punishment, or is it straightforward.
This Mesa CA was was tested positive prior to a flight and was subsequently sacked by Mesa.
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2002/08/13/national/main518532.shtml
This Southwest FO was arrested by the FBI on suspicion of being intoxicated prior to a flight.
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2006/07/10/national/main1786964.shtml
Is the difference all due to the fact that the Mesa crew was about to board, and the SW FO, apparently, had already boarded? (The story pointed out that he was removed from the aircraft)
If that is the case then that is one very dangerous line to cross!!
Lindsey...holy cow.. where you been??? we haven't seen you on here in ages!! Nice to have you back.
try reading the thread again.. it's all there!
PGT
Well-Known Member
according to the FAA your BAC has to be below .04 but individual airlines might be any traceable amount (.02). So it just depends on how fast your body breaks down acetaldehyde to bring your bac down.
and that is what I learned today (from this thread)
frog_flyer
FredFlyer
Thank you.... Told you CF.
My Flight Surgeon
Sr. Aviation Medical Examiner
If someone gets busted, they should still talk to the HIMS people and their union if they have one. HIMS is a combined effort of the FAA, the unions (AAA and ALPA) and the companies to salvage the skill pilots have. It is very expensive for a company to lose experienced pilots. In my experience, the company and union will give the pilot a chance. The exception being arrested on the aircraft for intoxication then the company may try to cut bait. The program is much better than throwing away the $$$ spent on ratings and lost in income. In addition it will save the pilot's life.
greaper007
Well-Known Member
I think that's why the .04 BAC is there Kristie. Just to give a little buffer zone for things like mouthwash, or a little Baily's in your morning coffee (I kid).