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PPL Tester

Alcohol physiology

Alcohol = central nervous system depressant. In-flight effects:

Effect Detail Cite
Histotoxic hypoxia Cells cannot use supplied oxygen at high blood alcohol. Altitude tolerance cut TC AIM AIR 3.2.1
Altitude One drink hits harder at altitude Sample exam Q37; PSTAR 8.10
Reflexes Muscular reflexes slower and weaker. Error rate up PHAK ch.17
Inner-ear balance Lingers in inner-ear fluid after blood clears: hangover balance loss TC AIM AIR 3.9
Night scanning Stares at objects, neglects scanning. Residual effects impair scanning after buzz fades PHAK ch.17
Level Effect Cite
Small amounts Impairs judgement PHAK ch.17
Small amounts Reduces piloting skill TC AIM AIR 3.9
Small amounts More susceptible to disorientation and hypoxia PHAK ch.2; PSTAR 8.10 for hypoxia
About 0.05 percent Reduced piloting skills shown in simulators TC AIM AIR 3.9

Clearance:

24 h best practice: see air-law/alcohol-drugs.

Trap: thinking a hangover is safe once blood alcohol reads zero. Balance and mental impairment persist.

References

Practice