AustraliaA pilot at my workplace tested positive for alcohol. What are the consequences?
A pilot in Australia who tests positive for alcohol faces immediate suspension of their licence, mandatory reporting to CASA, and potential civil penalties or licence cancellation under aviation safety laws.
What the Law Says
Australian aviation law strictly prohibits alcohol use by flight crew before and during operations. The Civil Aviation Safety Regulations set clear limits and enforcement mechanisms.
Under Australian law, no person may act as a flight crew member if they have consumed alcohol within the previous 24 hours, or if their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is above zero at any time before acting — meaning the legal limit is effectively 0.00%.
The Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998 (CASA Regs) require operators to test flight crew for alcohol and report positive results to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). Failure to comply can result in civil penalties or licence action.
CASA may suspend or cancel a pilot’s licence following a positive alcohol test, particularly if it indicates a risk to aviation safety. The regulator may also impose conditions, require medical assessment, or mandate rehabilitation.
Statutory TextA person must not act as a flight crew member of an aircraft if the person has consumed alcohol within the previous 24 hours.
— Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998, reg 99.075 — Alcohol and drugs: flight crew members
Statutory TextThe blood alcohol concentration of a person acting, or about to act, as a flight crew member must be zero.
— Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998, reg 99.075 — Alcohol and drugs: flight crew members
Statutory TextA person commits an offence if the person fails to comply with a requirement under this Part… Penalty: 50 penalty units.
— Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998, reg 99.235 — Offence
What to Do
Immediately remove the pilot from flight duties and secure the testing record.
Report the positive result to CASA within 24 hours using Form 72 — Notification of Alcohol/Drug Test Result.
Refer the pilot to an approved aviation medical examiner and substance abuse professional.
Review and update your organisation’s drug and alcohol management plan in line with CASR Part 99.
Cooperate fully with CASA’s investigation and any licence review process.
Sources
Not legal advice. This article is general information based on publicly available sources, written for educational purposes. Laws change and individual situations vary. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before acting on anything you read here. Last reviewed: 2026-06-08.