| During the summer of 2002, news headlines reported more than one case of professional airline pilots reporting for duty while still under the influence of alcohol. In one incident, two American West pilots had taxied their commuter airplane to the flight line and were preparing to takeoff. However, they were recalled back to the gate after security personnel noticed the American West pilots appeared to be under the influence of alcohol. It was found these pilots had a blood alcohol content above the legal limit for operating an automobile. Recently, a pilot for Hawaii Airlines reported for duty while under the influence of alcohol. While news headlines suggested the use of alcohol by airline pilots is common practice, it is also a fact a majority of pilots do not fly while under the influence of alcohol. In an effort to distinguish fact from fiction and to see whether the use of alcohol by airline pilots is common practice, this research investigated the frequency, quantity, and consequences of alcohol use by airline pilots. |
