How long before duty must alcohol be avoided?

• A. 4 hours
• B. 8 hours
• C. 12 hours
• D. 24 hours

Answer: (B)

Alcohol can impair judgment, alertness, coordination, and the ability to respond to emergencies—abilities essential for passenger safety. To keep operations safe, crew members refrain from drinking for a period before duty. Eight hours is the standard window before reporting for duty because it provides a practical safety buffer that covers most situations, ensuring you’re less likely to be impaired when you’re on shift. Four hours could leave residual effects, while twelve or twenty-four hours would be unnecessarily restrictive for regular scheduling. If you ever feel any lingering effects or aren’t sure, it’s best to avoid reporting for duty and seek guidance.