title: Professional pilots' evaluation of the extent, causes, and reduction of alcohol use in aviation.
abstract: Pilots holding the ATP rating were surveyed to obtain judgments concerning the seriousness of the alcohol problem in various areas of aviation, the reasons for alcohol use, and the probable effectiveness of strategies intended to reduce alcohol use in aviation. Alcohol use was judged to be a more serious problem in general aviation than in corporate, charter, regional, and major airline activities. Respondents identified the individual's inability to control alcohol use as a primary reason for drinking and flying, and they endorsed remedies that are directed toward those individuals who are seen as the source of the problem. Other factors considered important causes of drinking and flying included pilots' beliefs that they can compensate for alcohol's effects and their lack of knowledge about the rate of decrease in blood alcohol concentration (BAC) that occurs as a function of time and amount consumed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Madison 53706.
authors.forename: L E
authors.initials: LE
authors.lastname: Ross
authors.forename: S M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Ross
mesh_terms: D000337:Aerospace Medicine; D000428:Alcohol Drinking / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires