Alcohol or drugs

In plain English

You may not act as a crewmember within 8 hours of consuming alcohol, while under the influence, with a blood-alcohol of 0.04% or more, or while using any drug that affects safety. "Eight hours bottle to throttle" is the floor, not a guarantee of fitness.

Key points

• No flying within 8 hours of alcohol, or at/above 0.04% BAC.
• No flying while impaired by alcohol or any drug.
• Carrying an intoxicated passenger is restricted except in an emergency.

Common pitfalls

• Treating 8 hours as "safe" when hangover effects linger far longer.
• Over-the-counter medications (antihistamines, sleep aids) that quietly impair.

*This is a plain-English summary for study only. The official 14 CFR text on this page is controlling — always read the current regulation.*