All Hokie, All the Time. Period. Presented by First Bank & Trust Company

PhotoHokieNC
Joined: 12/28/2002
Posts: 166,281
Likes: 79,891

Absolutely. No alcohol for at least 8 hours prior to flying it. (updated)

"The FAA prohibits drone operators from flying under the influence of alcohol or drugs, specifically stating that no one may act as a crewmember within 8 hours after consuming alcohol or while having a blood alcohol concentration of 0.04 or greater." Penalties for Violating FAA Drone Alcohol Regulations Violating FAA regulations regarding alcohol use while operating drones can result in significant penalties. These penalties are designed to ensure safety in the airspace. Civil Penalties Fines: Operators can face fines up to $75,000 per violation for unsafe operations related to alcohol use. Criminal Penalties Fines: Serious violations can lead to criminal fines of up to $250,000. Imprisonment: Offenders may also face imprisonment for up to three years. Additional Consequences License Actions: Operators may have their pilot certificates suspended or revoked for violations related to alcohol consumption while flying drones. These penalties reflect the FAA's commitment to maintaining safety in the National Airspace System and holding operators accountable for their actions. ** Edited by PhotoHokieNC at 6/26/2026, 10:37:52 AM
Posted: 06/26/2026 at 10:35 AM ET
(In response to this post by Stork)

Thread Replies (15)

Full Thread →
Looking into sending my drone aloft July 4 to record fireworks.
PhotoHokieNC 06/26/26 09:51 AM ET
Just don't get taken down by celebratory gunfire.**
MikeVT85 06/26/26 10:53 AM ET
Are there any regulations against flying drone while drinking? **
Stork 06/26/26 10:29 AM ET
Absolutely. No alcohol for at least 8 hours prior to flying it. (updated)
PhotoHokieNC 06/26/26 10:35 AM ET
Rules shmoolz.**
Coach McGuirk 06/26/26 05:12 PM ET
Stupid question: what is considered "airspace" by the FAA?
MP4VT2004 06/26/26 04:00 PM ET
A committee has formed to develop a policy**
ColoVT82 06/26/26 04:20 PM ET
This is airspace - question I have is what you need to drink to
PhotoHokieNC 06/26/26 04:04 PM ET
3 years is alot for flying a model airplane **
bigbadbird 06/26/26 11:45 AM ET
Sure. But drones range 0.55lbs to 55 lbs. The 55lb drone would be a danger
PhotoHokieNC 06/26/26 12:02 PM ET
That's like flying a small child **
bigbadbird 06/26/26 12:19 PM ET
Small children are more aerodynamical, but don't hover as well.
PhotoHokieNC 06/26/26 12:44 PM ET
and aren't as quiet**
bigbadbird 06/26/26 01:12 PM ET
Wow**
Stork 06/26/26 11:05 AM ET
Here's what AirHub portal sez (as of today):
PhotoHokieNC 06/26/26 10:15 AM ET
(image or it doesn't happen)**
PhotoHokieNC 06/26/26 10:21 AM ET