Flying Under the Influence
Pilots who fly any aircraft, either commercial or private, while under the influence of alcohol or drugs can face flying under the influence charges, or FUI / FWI. Flying under the influence is illegal under both federal and state law, and the consequences are severe. A skilled attorney from www.NotDrunk.com who is knowledgeable about flying under the influence cases will provide an aggressive defense designed to protect the pilot’s rights and minimize repercussions.
Pilots are bound by both state laws and Federal Aviation Regulations, or FARS, which is governed by the Federal Aviation Administration. The FAA strictly regulates the consumption of alcohol by crew members of any civil aircraft, either commercial or private.
Under FAA rules, a crew member may not fly if he or she has consumed alcohol within eight hours of a flight, is under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or has a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .04 percent or greater. Any pilot or crewmember found to have violated any of these provisions faces imprisonment, fines, and revocation of his or her pilot’s license.
Pilots and crewmembers operate under an implied consent law similar to the one that governs vehicles on the ground. Implied consent means that anyone who acts as a crew member on a commercial or private flight agrees to take a chemical test if arrested for flying under the influence of alcohol or drugs. A pilot who refuses this request faces a substantial fine and suspension or revocation of his or her pilot’s license.
DUI / DWI convictions on the ground also can jeopardize a pilot’s license. Pilots must report drunk driving convictions to the FAA via on their first-class medical application, and to the Civil Action Security Division in Oklahoma City. This notification must be made within 60 days of a drunk driving conviction.
Pilots also must report any administrative actions taken by a state as a result of a drunk driving conviction, including driver’s license suspensions that stem from a refusal to submit to a chemical test. If the pilot’s driver’s license is suspended through a motor vehicle department proceeding, this must also be reported to the FAA Civil Action Security Division in Oklahoma City within 60 days of the suspension
Pilots who fail to report either a drunk driving conviction or a driver’s license suspension stemming from a DUI / DWI arrest face penalties. If a pilot’s driver’s license is suspended twice during a three year period, the FAA can deny the pilot’s application for a license, or revoke a current license.
Both FUI / FWI arrests and drunk driving convictions pose real threats to pilots’ flying privileges, so it’s imperative to have a top attorney fighting for the pilot’s rights. An experienced defense lawyer from www.NotDrunk.com will devise an effective strategy to fight the charges and keep negative repercussions to a minimum.