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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
Thread Replies (15)
Looking into sending my drone aloft July 4 to record fireworks.
-- PhotoHokieNC
Jun 26, 2026 at 09:51 AM ET
PhotoHokieNC
•
06/26/26 09:51 AM ET
Just don't get taken down by celebratory gunfire.**
-- MikeVT85
Jun 26, 2026 at 10:53 AM ET
MikeVT85
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06/26/26 10:53 AM ET
Are there any regulations against flying drone while drinking? **
-- Stork
Jun 26, 2026 at 10:29 AM ET
Stork
•
06/26/26 10:29 AM ET
Absolutely. No alcohol for at least 8 hours prior to flying it. (updated)
◄
-- PhotoHokieNC
Jun 26, 2026 at 10:35 AM ET
PhotoHokieNC
•
06/26/26 10:35 AM ET
Stupid question: what is considered "airspace" by the FAA?
-- MP4VT2004
Jun 26, 2026 at 04:00 PM ET
MP4VT2004
•
06/26/26 04:00 PM ET
A committee has formed to develop a policy**
-- ColoVT82
Jun 26, 2026 at 04:20 PM ET
ColoVT82
•
06/26/26 04:20 PM ET
This is airspace - question I have is what you need to drink to
-- PhotoHokieNC
Jun 26, 2026 at 04:04 PM ET
PhotoHokieNC
•
06/26/26 04:04 PM ET
3 years is alot for flying a model airplane **
-- bigbadbird
Jun 26, 2026 at 11:45 AM ET
bigbadbird
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06/26/26 11:45 AM ET
Sure. But drones range 0.55lbs to 55 lbs. The 55lb drone would be a danger
-- PhotoHokieNC
Jun 26, 2026 at 12:02 PM ET
PhotoHokieNC
•
06/26/26 12:02 PM ET
That's like flying a small child **
-- bigbadbird
Jun 26, 2026 at 12:19 PM ET
bigbadbird
•
06/26/26 12:19 PM ET
Small children are more aerodynamical, but don't hover as well.
-- PhotoHokieNC
Jun 26, 2026 at 12:44 PM ET
PhotoHokieNC
•
06/26/26 12:44 PM ET
Here's what AirHub portal sez (as of today):
-- PhotoHokieNC
Jun 26, 2026 at 10:15 AM ET
PhotoHokieNC
•
06/26/26 10:15 AM ET
(image or it doesn't happen)**
-- PhotoHokieNC
Jun 26, 2026 at 10:21 AM ET
PhotoHokieNC
•
06/26/26 10:21 AM ET