📘14 CFR §91.17 - Alcohol or Drugs

✏️ Plain-English Summary:

This regulation outlines the FAA’s zero-tolerance policy for drugs and alcohol in aviation. As a PIC, you are responsible for flying clean, clear, and sober — and the rules are stricter than for driving a car.

✅ Key Takeaways for PPL Students:

🍺 Alcohol Rules:

• ❌ No flying within 8 hours of consuming alcohol (“8 hours bottle to throttle”)

• ❌ BAC must be less than 0.04% (stricter than the driving limit of 0.08%)

• ❌ No flying while under the influence, even if it’s been more than 8 hours

💊 Drugs:

• ❌ No flying while using any drug that affects your ability to fly safely

• This includes prescription, over-the-counter, or recreational drugs

🧪 Testing & Refusal:

• FAA, employers, or law enforcement can require testing

• Refusal to submit = grounds for certificate suspension or revocation

✈️ Scenario:

You went out with friends and had two beers around 10 PM. Your student wants to fly with you at 6 AM. ❌ Illegal — not 8 hours yet. Also: You may still be under the influence, even if 8 hours have passed — you are still responsible for knowing your fitness to fly.

You took Benadryl (diphenhydramine) for allergies before a flight. ❌ Not legal — even though it’s OTC, it causes drowsiness and impairs judgment.

🧠 Memory Aids:

“8 Hours Bottle to Throttle” “0.04 = No More” (BAC limit)

🎓 CFI Teaching Tip:

Use real student questions:

“Can I take NyQuil the night before a morning flight?” “What if I feel fine after a few drinks?”

Have them go through the IMSAFE checklist before every flight. Highlight that judgment impairment is still dangerous even if legal time has passed.

Also tie this into 91.3 — PIC responsibility: The FAA doesn’t care if you meant well — you’re still accountable.

📚 References:

• FAR §91.17 — Alcohol or Drugs

• AIM 8-1-1 through 8-1-4 — Aeromedical Factors

• PHAK Ch. 17 — Effects of Drugs/Alcohol

• CAPTn Stage 1 Questions — Drug & alcohol regulation questions​