What is the first step when you suspect a drunken crew member?

What is the first step when you suspect a drunken crew member?

• A. Involve management immediately.
• B. Ask if they are intoxicated.
• C. Do everything you can to keep them from the aircraft.
• D. Remind them of regulations and potential career consequences.

Answer: (C)

When you suspect impairment, safety comes first: you must prevent the potentially intoxicated crew member from flying. The immediate action is to keep them from the aircraft and reassign or delay flight duties until a proper assessment can be made. This rapid step protects everyone on board because impairment can affect judgment, coordination, and reaction time. Asking them directly if they’re intoxicated can lead to denial or conflict and doesn’t secure safety right away. Involving management or reminding them of regulations are important follow-up steps, but they come after you have already removed them from flight duties and begun the appropriate reporting process. Document what you observed so the proper evaluation and replacement can occur.

When you suspect impairment, safety comes first: you must prevent the potentially intoxicated crew member from flying. The immediate action is to keep them from the aircraft and reassign or delay flight duties until a proper assessment can be made. This rapid step protects everyone on board because impairment can affect judgment, coordination, and reaction time. Asking them directly if they’re intoxicated can lead to denial or conflict and doesn’t secure safety right away. Involving management or reminding them of regulations are important follow-up steps, but they come after you have already removed them from flight duties and begun the appropriate reporting process. Document what you observed so the proper evaluation and replacement can occur.