Should Pilots be convicted of "Flying while Under the Influence"?

[tantricasimela]

Two pilots were pulled by security out of the cockpit of the plane they were supposed to operate because they smelled like alcohol. It was a Miami to Phoenix flight. They consumed approximately 300 ounces of beer together over a 9 hour period then headed to their hotel room. The time spent in their hotel room before leaving to the airport was a

Comments

[vorona]

I'd say probably so. They failed a sobriety test after leaving the cockpit. Not being 'falling down drunk' isn't necessary. They have a responsibility to be sober by legal standards while piloting a plane.

I've certainly known enough people who could somehow (practice?) manage not to 'seem' drunk when in fact they were in no shape to operate anything dangerous. Behaving convincingly does not mean having sober-level reactions and judgments.

[deadrose]

Alcoholics can frequently appear to be completely sober after consuming vast amounts of booze. Doesn't mean they *are* sober though.