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AhaBulb: Stuff Everyone Should Know · ahabulb.com/pilot-alcohol-8-hours

How long after drinking any alcoholic beverage must a pilot wait before acting as a crewmember?

8 hours, and even then not while under the influence.

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  1. 4 hours
  2. 12 hours
  3. 8 hours ✔

Why: Rule 91.17 bars acting as a crewmember within 8 hours after drinking alcohol. The rule also bans flying while under the influence, whichever lasts longer.

Huh, didn't know that: The same rule also bans acting as a crewmember while using any drug that affects your faculties in a way contrary to safety.

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References

Answer: 8 hours. Rule 91.17 bars acting as a crewmember within 8 hours after drinking alcohol. The rule also bans flying while under the influence, whichever lasts longer.

  1. 14 CFR 91.17 Alcohol or drugs (eCFR) www.ecfr.gov/current/title-14/chapter-I/subchapter-F/part-91/subpart-A/section-91.17
    Within 8 hours after the consumption of any alcoholic beverage;
    Checked 2026-10-07.

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