Pilot who was 'considerably over' alcohol limit at Dublin Airport has licence revoked

A pilot who was found to be 'considerably over' the prescribed limits for alcohol has had their licence revoked, the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) has confirmed.

Details of the incident, which happened at Dublin Airport last summer, have been revealed following the conclusion of a number of investigations which were launched following a random check.

The IAA says it undertook a random inspection at Dublin Airport on September 17, 2024.

"The IAA inspectors boarded a cargo aircraft flown by an international cargo operator and sought a copy of the pilot licences and the aircraft mandatory documents. 

"The IAA inspectors then carried out a routine breathalyser test for alcohol. The test reading confirmed that one of the pilots had blood alcohol levels considerably over the prescribed limits and was, therefore, not in a fit condition to operate the aircraft," said a spokesperson. 

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Following the test, the IAA inspectors immediately gave an instruction that the aircraft would not take off and they directed that the pilot be removed from the cockpit and prevented from operating the aircraft. 

Proceedings were subsequently initiated before Dublin District Court and the matter was reported to the United States Federal Aviation Authority (FAA).

In a statement, issued this Tuesday afternoon, the IAA says it has since been advised by the FAA that the pilot’s licence has been revoked.

The IAA will continue to conduct unannounced checks on foreign aircraft operating into Irish airports and conduct breathalyser tests on flight crew, which includes pilots and cabin crew.