Which FAA exams test 14 CFR 91.17?

This regulation is tested on the following FAA exams: PAR, IRA, CAX, ATP, FIA, UAG. These include the FAA Private Pilot (PAR), FAA Instrument Rating (IRA), FAA Commercial Pilot (CAX), FAA Certified Flight Instructor (FIA), FAA Remote Pilot (Part 107).

Part 91General Operating and Flight Rules

14 CFR 91.17 — Alcohol or Drugs

8-hour bottle-to-throttle rule, 0.04% BAC limit, and prohibition on flying under the influence of any drug that affects safety.

Regulation Text

No person may act or attempt to act as a crewmember of a civil aircraft: within 8 hours after the consumption of any alcoholic beverage; while under the influence of alcohol; while using any drug that affects the person's faculties in any way contrary to safety; while having an alcohol concentration of 0.04 or greater in a blood or breath specimen.

Note: This is an excerpt. Refer to the full regulation in eCFR for the complete text.

Plain-English Explanation

The famous 8 hours bottle to throttle rule: no alcohol within 8 hours of flying. But that is the minimum — you also cannot fly with a BAC of 0.04% or higher, or while impaired by any drug (including over-the-counter medications). Many pilots use the personal rule of 12-24 hours from bottle to throttle for extra safety margin. Violation of this regulation can result in certificate revocation and criminal charges.