DRINKING AND FLYING: CAUSES, EFFECTS AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF EFFECTIVE COUNTERMEASURES

Abstract

Drinking and flying is a relatively rare event, yet one which has immense potential to compromise safety. When pilots are caught flying an aircraft under the influence of alcohol, because such instances are so rare it often becomes a newsworthy item. Commencing in the mid-1980s, regulations have been introduced both in the USA and Europe to specify a peak blood alcohol concentration (BAG), above which it is illegal to act as a crewmember of an aircraft. Research suggests that these regulations may not be as effective as intended, though, either because the BAG specified is too high to promote safety (USA) or that there is no effective way of enforcing the regulations (Europe). Furthermore, it is also argued that there is no one 'best' way of deterring drinking and flying. Effective countermeasures can only be specified with respect to the root cause of the problem. To be effective the enforcement of the regulations needs to be supplemented with educational propaganda and remedial actions and these actions need to be appropriately targeted with respect to the root cause of the drinking and flying behavior.