Drinking and flying: A structural model

Background: Under a recent revision of the European Joint Aviation Authorities operations regulations it has been prohibited to act as a crew member of an aircraft with a BAC of greater than 0.02%. Methods: This survey of UK Civil Aviation Authority pilots suggests that over 50% of respondents may have flown an aircraft with a BAC of greater than this prescribed amount. Results: Professional pilots were found to be heavier drinkers than private pilots and were also more likely to infringe the 0.02% BAC rule. Conclusion: Analysis of the data using path analysis suggests that professional pilots may be more prone to offending as a result of training in a 'drinking culture' and as a response to commercial pressures in the industry.