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Eight-hour rule after drinking

Remote Pilot (Part 107) practice question 8 of 20 on Operations / Physiology. ACS element UA.V.E.K2 · difficulty: applied. Want to answer it in a timed quiz? Use the Remote Pilot (Part 107) practice mode.

Question bank updated 2026-09-22

QUESTIONA remote pilot finishes a single beer at 9:00 p.m. and plans to act as remote pilot in command of a small unmanned aircraft at 4:00 a.m. the next morning. Under the rules described in the Remote Pilot Study Guide, may the pilot do so?

  1. ANo, because 8 hours have not passed since drinking
  2. BYes, if blood alcohol is below .04 percent
  3. CYes, because more than 6 hours have passed since the last drink
Show the answer and explanation

Correct answer: A. No, because 8 hours have not passed since drinking

  • A — correct From 9:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m. is only 7 hours. The study guide states that part 107 prohibits serving as remote pilot in command if the person has consumed any alcoholic beverage within the preceding 8 hours, regardless of the amount.
  • B — incorrect The study guide states that even though blood alcohol may be well below .04 percent, a pilot cannot fly sooner than 8 hours after drinking alcohol.
  • C — incorrect The required interval is 8 hours, not 6; 7 hours have elapsed, so the pilot may not fly.

BACKGROUND

The Remote Pilot Study Guide states that 14 CFR part 107 prohibits a person from serving as remote pilot in command (PIC), person manipulating the controls, visual observer, or other crewmember if he or she has consumed any alcoholic beverage within the preceding 8 hours, is under the influence of alcohol, has a blood alcohol concentration of .04 percent or greater, or is using a drug that affects mental or physical capabilities. The 8-hour interval and the .04 percent limit are independent conditions: a pilot with a blood alcohol level of .04 percent or greater after 8 hours still cannot fly, and a pilot whose level is well below .04 percent still cannot fly sooner than 8 hours after drinking. The guide adds that it is a good idea to be more conservative than the regulations.

STUDY TIP

When a scenario gives clock times, count the hours first; anything under 8 hours is a no-go no matter how little was consumed.

KEY POINTS

  • No flying within 8 hours of consuming any alcoholic beverage.
  • Blood alcohol must also be below .04 percent; both conditions apply.
  • 9:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m. is 7 hours, so the flight is not permitted.

SOURCES

  • remote_pilot_study_guide.txt ch9 "Introduction" and "Alcohol"
  • 14 CFR 107.27
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MORE ON OPERATIONS / PHYSIOLOGY

SkyDrill is not affiliated with the FAA. This is an original practice item based on 14 CFR part 107, 14 CFR part 89, and the FAA Remote Pilot – Small UAS Study Guide (FAA-G-8082-22). Regulations and handbooks are revised; confirm details against the current edition.