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Eight-hour alcohol rule applied to a visual observer

Remote Pilot (Part 107) practice question 19 of 34 on Regulations / Operating Rules. ACS element UA.I.B.K10 · difficulty: standard. Want to answer it in a timed quiz? Use the Remote Pilot (Part 107) practice mode.

Question bank updated 2026-09-22

QUESTIONA visual observer finishes a beer at 10:00 p.m. and is scheduled to serve as visual observer on a part 107 flight at 5:00 a.m. the next morning. Under the alcohol provisions that apply to part 107 crewmembers, the visual observer

  1. Amay serve, because the 8-hour restriction applies only to the remote pilot in command
  2. Bmay not serve, because fewer than 8 hours have passed since consuming alcohol
  3. Cmay serve, provided the observer's blood alcohol concentration is below .04 percent at the time of the flight
Show the answer and explanation

Correct answer: B. may not serve, because fewer than 8 hours have passed since consuming alcohol

  • A — incorrect The restriction applies to visual observers and other crewmembers as well. § 107.27 makes the person manipulating the controls, the remote PIC, and the visual observer all subject to §§ 91.17 and 91.19.
  • B — correct Only 7 hours separate the drink from the flight. Part 107 prohibits a person from serving as remote PIC, person manipulating the controls, visual observer, or other crewmember if he or she has consumed any alcoholic beverage within the preceding 8 hours.
  • C — incorrect The blood alcohol limit of .04 percent is a separate condition. Even with a lower concentration, a person cannot serve sooner than 8 hours after drinking.

BACKGROUND

Section 107.27 requires a person manipulating the flight controls of a small unmanned aircraft system (small UAS), the remote pilot in command (remote PIC), and the visual observer to comply with §§ 91.17 and 91.19, the alcohol and drug rules that apply to all pilots. The Remote Pilot Study Guide summarizes the effect: part 107 prohibits a person from serving as remote 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 capability. The 8-hour and .04 percent conditions are independent; either one alone disqualifies the person.

STUDY TIP

Count the hours in the scenario before anything else, and remember that all crew roles, not just the remote PIC, are covered.

KEY POINTS

  • No alcohol within the preceding 8 hours, for every crew role.
  • Blood alcohol of .04 percent or greater is a separate, independent disqualifier.
  • § 107.27 applies §§ 91.17 and 91.19 to the remote PIC, the person on the controls, and the visual observer.

SOURCES

  • 14 CFR 107.27
  • Remote Pilot Study Guide ch9, 8 hours / .04 percent bullet list
Practice the Remote Pilot (Part 107) test →Timed 60-question exam, by ACS area, or review your misses. Free.
MORE ON REGULATIONS / OPERATING RULES

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.