FAA Explains New DUI Policy for Pilots

FAA aerospace medical certification division manager Dr. Warren Silberman explained the FAA’s new DUI (driving under the influence or while intoxicated) policy in the latest Federal Air Surgeon’s Medical Bulletin. According to Silberman, pilots who get a DUI and had a blood-alcohol content exceeding 0.15 percent when charged or who refused to allow the police to take a sample will automatically have their case transferred to the FAA’s aerospace medical certification division. Under previous rules, pilots who were first-time DUI offenders would have their court record reviewed by aeromedical examiners, who had leeway to determine whether the applicant had a problem. Pilots are still required to report to the FAA within 60 days any DUI-related actions.