newbie question - studying for CPL

[Little Red 22]

I've studying for the commercial test, and have not yet found the CFR regarding the serving of alcoholic beverages in flight. I'm wondering how helicopter tour operators, like LA's Viator, provide champagne to their passengers. Are they an airline, what are the rules, and who's pouring? Also, how do airline pilots avoid breaking FAR 91.17( regarding the carrying of passengers under the influence?

 

Susie

[apiaguy]

serving a drink...

under the influence...

 

very different things... we're not cops... we're pilots. It's all between the lines.

[ADRidge]

As long as they're not visibly intoxicated, unless it's a medical emergency, you're good to go. Chalk that up to pilot's discretion.

[Chewie]

If I remember correctly tour operators (generally) fall under Part 135. I think it depends on the type of operation though, I'm not so up on 135 atm and I'm too tired to do more research

 

OPERATING REQUIREMENTS: COMMUTER AND ON-DEMAND OPERATIONS AND RULES GOVERNING PERSONS ON BOARD SUCH AIRCRAFT

 

135.121

 

Alcoholic beverages.

 

[a] No person may drink any alcoholic beverage aboard an aircraft unless the certificate holder operating the aircraft has served that beverage.

No certificate holder may serve any alcoholic beverage to any person aboard its aircraft if that person appears to be intoxicated.

[c] No certificate holder may allow any person to board any of its aircraft if that person appears to be intoxicated.

 

A = It's a no no to smuggle your own booze on an (example) airliner. The tour operators are providing the champagne.

 

B = Ties in with A, if you appear visibly intoxicated they must stop serving you, like at a bar. If you have your own booze they lose control of your alcohol intake.

 

C = If you get tore up at the concourse bar waiting for your flight and "appear to be intoxicated", you can't get on the plane. You may get in trouble, the operator will definitely have to deal with the FAA.

 

Drunk people usually cause problems, and safety/comfort issues result.

[r22butters]

For questions such as yours, it would probably be best to just e-mail places like LA's Viator directly.

[Eric Hunt]

Doesn't matter who serves it, just make sure the pilot gets a glass!!