Under what condition, if any, may a pilot allow a person who is obviously under the influence of drugs to be carried aboard an aircraft?

• A. In an emergency or if the person is a medical patient under proper care
• B. Never
• C. If they pass a sobriety test
• D. If the person is a family member

Answer: (A)

Safety comes first: a pilot must not carry a person who is obviously under the influence of drugs unless there is a compelling reason related to safety. The only situations where transporting such a passenger is permissible are when it is an emergency or when the person is a medical patient under proper care. In an emergency, transporting the individual may be necessary to save a life or prevent serious harm, provided the flight can be conducted safely. If the person requires medical transport and is under proper medical supervision, carrying them may be justified to provide essential care.

A sobriety test isn’t a factor that governs this decision in flight, and being a family member does not override safety concerns. The emphasis is on ensuring the flight remains safe; any decision to carry an impaired person hinges on emergency or medical necessity.