New alcohol limits for pilots

Airline pilots, air traffic controllers and cabin crew in the UK are today operating under strict new alcohol guidelines that are four times more stringent than those for motorists. As from yesterday, anyone found to have more than 20 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood – the equivalent to half a pint of beer – could face a fine of up to GBP5,000 or two years in prison. According to the Sky News website, the new rules will also apply to people working on commercial ships and ferries. The aviation minister Tony McNulty is quoted as saying: “This is an important safety initiative. It will enhance the already-high safety standards currently applied to aviation within the UK.” The pilots’ union Balpa has welcomed the news; Graham Fowler, director of safety, said: “Pilots abstain from any alcohol at all in the eight hours before a flight and most pilots do not drink at all 24 hours before a flight. We welcome the new regulations.” Report by Tim Gillett, News From Abroad