OK, I am a newly licensed VFR private pilot operating under FAR part 91 general operating rules.
With the FULL understanding of my legal requirements as a PIC to NOT be under the influence of any alcohol (8 hours “bottle to throttle” AND <0.04 BAC)
My Question is this…
What about passengers? Is it legal to transport a cooler of beer for a weekend trip? and furthermore is it legal to have passengers with open containers during the duration of a flight?
Thanks…
Just what a new pilot needs, drunk passengers to add another distraction.
Under Part 91, pax can do pretty much anything they want. As long as they’re not interfeering with you or the aircraft, and not throwing anything out the window, they’re fine. If someone seems drunk, don’t let them on the plane, but otherwise it’s not an issue.
Thanks, I’m fully capable with dealing with passengers, and “other distractions” but you failed to answer my question in regards to the legality of the transportation of alcoholic beverages and more specifically the passenger’s consumption of such beverages during flight. Intoxication and Impairment not withstanding.
Thanks, JR
Thanks, I’m fully capable with dealing with passengers, and “other distractions” but you failed to answer my question in regards to the legality of the transportation of alcoholic beverages and more specifically the passenger’s consumption of such beverages during flight. Intoxication and Impairment not withstanding.
Thanks, JR
Thanks FlyNYC, that seems reasonable, but from my research, the FARs don’t give clear guidelines as to the transportation and consumption of alcohol by passengers when operating under part 91
8 hrs? I ALWAYS thought it was 12 btt? As for open conatiners, nvr seen a problem with it, as long as YOUR not the one imbibing. I’ve never been in a situation that I had pax bring alcohol on board. But as one of the post above…as long as it doesnt interfere with the safe operation of the aircraft and deter from your responsibilities as a PIC. But I could be wrong. Good luck in your flying eneavors. 
Side note: In my opinion…this is where your decision making skills come into play. Common sense should ALWAYS prevail.
It’s 8hrs and dude if you want to bring a cooler with beer and let your buddies drink in the back go ahead. Call the ATF if you think there is a problem transporting it between state lines. BUT if this was something to be concerned about all the Oklahoma fans that drive to Dallas to watch UO play texas would be breaking the law also.
Just don’t be a fool and fly when you drink.
Also if you’re buddies are ripped and being stupid then don’t fly them. use common sense.
There IS NO FAA guidance regarding alcohol for passengers under Part 91. Rules are in place for Part 121 and 135 operators, but the FAA only regulates use of alcohol by pilots under Part 91. Trust me, I do this for a living! 
You CAN NOT allow a person who appears to be intoxicated or who demonstrates by manner of physical indications that the individual is undel the influence … to be carried in that aircraft.
FAR 91.17 b
you pros forget the 91 section real fast!
It will be the FSDO that will decide the above “appears” so be very careful.
Us pro’s? I said in my post- IF your buddies are ripped and acting stupid don’t fly them.
You’ve never rode in First Class. Have you?
FLYboy97222 Look at the post just above my last, I think you will see what I am talking about, you were correct.
Anyone see anything wrong with the words “newly licensed pilot” and “able to deal with distractions / passengers”???
I think he needs to worry about getting some hours under his belt and not the cooler in the back.
Ericvap, who has a reading problem? I clearly stated not to let the drunkies on the plane. So sorry I didn’t quote the FARs for you. Us pros still do know a thing or two. And not all “pros” fly part 135 or 121.
Wouldn’t it also be a “state issue” whether “open container laws” apply in a motorized vehicle for alcohol??? (Kinda along the same lines when we had that thread on toting guns on a plane?). Editing to add, I see Flyboy brought this up earlier…
It is worrisome to me that jrsx says "Thanks, I’m fully capable with dealing with passengers, and “other distractions” in the same thread as him saying “OK, I am a newly licensed VFR private pilot”
People do strange things on the ground when tipping one too many. Add in the possibility of hypoxia on top of being drunk, those other distractions may be unprecedented if one looses their mental state from the lack of O2. Add in a newly minted pilot, sounds like a recipe for disaster.
Dunno about others, but I sure would turn down a flight with jrsx with him as PIC based on first impressions in this thread.
There IS NO FAA guidance regarding alcohol for passengers under Part 91. Rules are in place for Part 121 and 135 operators, but the FAA only regulates use of alcohol by pilots under Part 91. Trust me, I do this for a living!
I think I was with you till the second part of your reply, it seem to leave a question of its ok? So hence the quote of the FAR’S and there is a CLEAR as the FAA can be guidance for part 91.
I read your reply many times and still get the same message of you think it is bad but the FAA has no rules or Guidance hence the responce, yes I do wonder about reading problems!
No… there are no part 91 regulations regarding carriage of alcohol. It falls under the ultimate discretion of the PIC. It’s been stated many times in this thread.
91.17 covers Alcohol and drug use by a pilot not of a passenger.
*
Not all that is safe is legal and not all that is legal is safe *
eh, I don’t think that’s the case. I do not fly professionally, just for the love of it, but I was an airline agent for years, and I had many discussions with crews about particular intoxicated passengers and the denied boarding of them. If the person appeared to be intoxicated at all I would advise the Captain, and give my opinion, but tell him/her that I will do whatever they request. I never remember any of them allowing any intox pax aboard.
As far as this situation goes, i personally don’t drink so it may be a bit of a bias, but I don’t think I’d feel comfortable with pax in the back drinking, especially in a four place. It’s pretty close quarters for someone to get stupid drunk, “what does that button do”, or " I’m gonna get sick" …it’s a one or two hour flight is it that important to have a drink in that amount of time?
By the same token though, if all that is kept at bay and those manipulating the controls are not participating, whatever.
I don’t think I’d ever allow it aboard my aircraft.