What is the maximum allowable blood alcohol concentration (BAC) for a pilot?

The maximum allowable blood alcohol concentration (BAC) for a pilot is 0.04%. This regulation is enforced by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to ensure that pilots operate aircraft safely and maintain a high level of performance. At a BAC of 0.04%, the likelihood of impaired motor skills, judgment, and reaction times increases, which can significantly affect a pilot’s ability to fly.

It is also critical to note that the FAA not only mandates this limit but also has a stringent "bottle to throttle" rule, which requires pilots to abstain from consuming alcohol within eight hours of operating an aircraft. This underscores the importance of sober operation during all phases of flight. Maintaining this standard helps preserve aviation safety and instills confidence in passengers and fellow aviators alike.