Should Pilots be given a breathalyzer before each flight?

[NamecipS]

Pilots suspected of being drunk, police say - CNN.com

 

I know a couple of pilots(one active and one retired). Both have told me some stories about pilots intoxication that would make you think twice about flying.

 

Because pilots potentially have hundreds of lives in their hands, should they be required to pass a breathalyzer before flying?

[spindoc]

I'd say yes. And if they fail, they are suspended for 6 mos without pay.

[TheDeuce]

I'd say yes. And if they fail, they are suspended for 6 mos without pay.

 

I'd fire them. You get a "hey, we're changing the policy" and then if you blow after that it's a wrap.

[UKMustangFan]

Absolutely. And first offense is immediate termination. I'd be all for charging them too if there was a charge on the books I thought would stick.

[Habib]

If you're a pilot and fail a breathalyzer all of your certificates are revoked on the spot. You can apply for reinstatement after a year but it's unlikely you'll be employable. The stakes are pretty high for a career pilot who wants to risk that.

[spindoc]

Dang you guys are harsh. :lol2:

 

Hell, I say if they blow, they get a parachute.

[NamecipS]

I'm on the side of a severe suspension(6 months to a year) and fine(must hurt to send clear message). Also want to add, must attend drug and alcohol counseling and pass random tests. Fail one and you can find another career. After suspension period, you go before an airline board for reinstatement consideration.

[OlDog75]

Dang you guys are harsh. :lol2:

 

Hell, I say if they blow, they get a parachute.

 

That's a good one Doc!

[theguru]

I like the 6 month idea for a first offense. I would hate to see someone lose a career because they still had the equivalent of a drink in their system the next morning.

 

Now if they blow anything over an 0.4 then I say clip their wings and never let them fly again.

 

To answer the question, in practice it sounds good, it also sounds expensive.

[plantmanky]

Wow harsh crowd. How many times have cops showed up a little hammered for duty?

[UKMustangFan]

Wow harsh crowd. How many times have cops showed up a little hammered for duty?

 

So you'd be cool with the plane your on to be piloted by a dude 3 sheets to the wind?

 

[SnottieDrippen]

So you'd be cool with the plane your on to be piloted by a dude 3 sheets to the wind?

 

 

If they're as good as Denzel, I'll take my chances.

[Habib]

If he's as good as Denzel, I'll take my chances.

 

:lol2:

[75center]

I'm for harsh penalties but it's amazing how little hand flying pilots do these days. Depending on the plane, flight and airports involved it can be as little as a couple minutes of a flight. Still, they have to make sure they are not impaired in case of an emergency.

[plantmanky]

So you'd be cool with the plane your on to be piloted by a dude 3 sheets to the wind?

 

 

Did I say that?