Fri Aug 08, 2008 9:57 pm
Maxum, Ryan is right, I wasn't implying that altitude would affect blood alcohol content. Only that altitude and alcohol could multiply the effects of alcohol on function.
Fri Aug 08, 2008 10:04 pm
Well, I'm studying for the FAA CFI exams and there are lots of factual statements about the effects of alcohol at altitude, as well as warnings against such. I am confident that the regulations are based on studies that back the findings up.
Here's are a few quotes from one of their publications:
http://www.faa.gov/pilots/safety/pilots ... lcohol.pdf
Another good resource is here: http://aeromedical.org/Articles/PDF_files/A&A.pdf
Driving is only a step behind flying in my thinking as far as risk factors - and driving at night impaired or in a vehicle driven by such a person would terrify me. Truthfully, I am far more worried about some stretches of road that I drive, than the various bits of airspace that I've flown in.
Personally, I've chosen not to drink at all, except on a few occasions when I've been at a church service that served wine for communion.
Ryan
Here's are a few quotes from one of their publications:
Brain effects include impaired reaction time reasoning, judgment, and memory. Alcohol decreases the ability of the brain to make use of oxygen. This adverse effect can be magnified as a result of simultaneous exposure to altitude, characterized by a decreased partial pressure of oxygen.
The majority of adverse effects produced by alcohol relate to the brain, the eyes, and the inner ear-three crucial organs to a pilot.
http://www.faa.gov/pilots/safety/pilots ... lcohol.pdf
Another good resource is here: http://aeromedical.org/Articles/PDF_files/A&A.pdf
Driving is only a step behind flying in my thinking as far as risk factors - and driving at night impaired or in a vehicle driven by such a person would terrify me. Truthfully, I am far more worried about some stretches of road that I drive, than the various bits of airspace that I've flown in.
Personally, I've chosen not to drink at all, except on a few occasions when I've been at a church service that served wine for communion.
Ryan
limits
Fri Aug 08, 2008 10:29 pm
Doug, our local cops have a chart or charts that they publicize that give an estimate of blood alcohol level after a certain amount of alcohol. I think the hospital had one also. I'm sure it is an average and individuals may vary. However I recall looking at my weight and saw one drink I was legal and 2 I was getting close. I also know how I feel after 2 drinks. I'd err on the careful side.
Re: limits
Sat Aug 09, 2008 12:10 am
Bill Greenwood wrote:Doug, our local cops have a chart or charts that they publicize that give an estimate of blood alcohol level after a certain amount of alcohol. I think the hospital had one also. I'm sure it is an average and individuals may vary. However I recall looking at my weight and saw one drink I was legal and 2 I was getting close. I also know how I feel after 2 drinks. I'd err on the careful side.
That's interesting Bill. I've never seen anything in writing like that. I'd be careful relying on that. If you really want a good idea of what your BA is at any given time, get a portable breath tester (different machine than a breathalyzer). We use them in the field. I've seen cheap versions for individuals to purchase.
$79.99 at Target
