Ace the Skies in 2026: Take Off with the Ultimate Airline Transport Pilot Knowledge Quiz!

The regulation that governs alcohol consumption for pilots is found in 14 CFR Part 91. This part outlines general operating and flight rules, including the critical area of alcohol and drug use. Specifically, it states that no person may act as a crewmember of a civil aircraft while using any drug that affects the person’s faculties in any way contrary to safety, and it sets clear limits on alcohol consumption.

Under Part 91, pilots are prohibited from drinking alcohol within eight hours of flight time, commonly referred to as the "bottle to throttle" rule, which is crucial for ensuring safety in aviation operations. This regulation emphasizes the importance of maintaining high standards of fitness and alertness in pilots, which directly contributes to aviation safety.

Options that pertain to other parts of the Code of Federal Regulations would not directly address the general alcohol consumption rules as they apply to all pilots. For instance, Part 135 covers operating requirements for commuter and on-demand operations, while Part 121 deals with domestic, flag, and supplemental operations, both of which may have specific regulations regarding crew member conduct, but the foundational regulation that applies broadly to all pilots in general aviation is indeed found in Part 91. Part 43 mainly outlines maintenance, preventive maintenance, and alterations