Big John wrote:

James

I was/am familiar with what you say and have two comments.

1. There are always exceptions to the rules. One of my points was that
no effort was made to see if the pilot was an exception.

He blew a 0.13 on a breathalyzer when he landed. There is no reason to
look for an exception, he was way over the limit.

2. Your statement about night vision I take exception to.

It has been well documented over the years. If the pilot had taken any
tranquilizers along with the alcohol, the deleterious effect on night
vision is amplified. Here are a couple of web pages with further
discussion:

http://www.cs.wright.edu/bie/rehaben...ionalcohol.htm
http://www.dol.gov/asp/programs/drug...ss/affects.asp

During my tenure in the Air Defense Command (USAF) where we flew at
night and in bad Wx a lot, a study was commissioned and the results
showed that an ounce of alcohol would increase night acuity (and
adaption) and reduce accidents.

The pilot had something like 7 ounces in his system, assuming typical
weight. That reverses the effect.


Of course all the 'jocks' clamored for a 'shot' before flying at night
but the powers that be felt that the 'great unwashed masses' wouldn't
understand pilots drinking before flying.

Drinking has too many ill effects to even consider using it before
flying. Even if it might help in some way, it hurts in too many others.
For a start, it is a depressant and would make people drowsy. Not
something you want on a long combat mission. Even 0.02% has shown a
negative effect on reaction, judgment, and alertness. Anyone who thinks
it is useful is mistaken.

People who think they have a tolerance for it, and can therefore operate
any type of equipment with higher than normal allowances are deluding
themselves.