Guidance Covers Intoxicated Pax on Part 91, 135 Flights

The FAA has issued guidance cautioning Part 91 and Part 135 operators about the safety risks associated with carrying impaired or intoxicated passengers aboard aircraft, particularly in operations where passengers may be seated close to flight controls. The rule under FAR 91.17 (b) that prohibits intoxicated passengers from boarding aircraft has been in place for several decades.

In Information for Operators (InFO) 26002, the FAA said the proximity of passengers to aircraft controls in many general aviation and charter operations increases the risk of accidental or intentional interference, which can lead to loss of control or other hazardous situations. The agency noted that the likelihood of such events is higher when passengers are under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

The FAA noted that “past aviation accidents have shown that carrying intoxicated or impaired passengers can be a contributing factor.” While existing regulations prohibit carrying anyone who appears intoxicated and require air carriers to train flight attendants on alcohol service and recognition of intoxication, the agency said there is no specific regulatory training requirement for Part 91 and Part 135 flight crewmembers on how to prevent impaired passengers from boarding.

Impaired passenger behavior can be unpredictable, ranging from “non-responsive, loud, argumentative, to being physically disruptive, creating a stressful environment and potential unsafe condition in flight,” the guidance emphasized.

To address these risks, the FAA directed Part 91 operators holding letters of authorization under FAR 91.147 and all Part 135 operators to incorporate behavioral recognition, observation techniques, communication skills, and intervention methods into training programs. Operators were also urged to develop documentation, reporting procedures, and safety policies that support flightcrew decisions related to passenger impairment.