S
AFETY
I
NFORMATION
R
EVISION
:
-
D
ATE
:
12/29/04
P
AGE
:
23
Copyright
2004 Glasair Aviation, LLC Arlington, Washington All rights reserved
impaired for many hours by hangover.
The effects of alcohol on the body are magnified at altitude, as 2 oz. of
alcohol at 18,000 ft. produce the same adverse effects as 6 oz. at sea
level. In other words, “the higher you get, the higher you get.”
Because of the slow destruction of alcohol by the body, a pilot may still
be under the influence eight hours after drinking a moderate amount of
alcohol. Therefore, an excellent rule is to allow at least 12–24 hours
between “bottle and throttle,” depending on the amount of alcoholic
beverage consumed. Even then, recent tests have shown that
judgment and performance are affected after blood alcohol levels have
returned to normal.
Drugs
Self-medication or taking medicine in any form when you are flying can
be extremely hazardous. Even simple over-the-counter remedies and
drugs, such as aspirin, antihistamines, cold tablets, cough mixtures,
laxatives, tranquilizers and appetite suppressants, may seriously impair
the judgment and coordination needed while flying. The safest rule is
to take no medicine before or while flying, except after consultation
with your Aviation Medical Examiner.
Scuba Diving
Flying shortly after any prolonged scuba diving could be dangerous.
Under the increased pressure of the water, excess nitrogen is absorbed
into your system. If sufficient time has not elapsed for your system to
rid itself of this excess gas before takeoff, you may experience the
bends at altitudes even under 10,000 ft. where most light planes fly.