Originally Posted by
Hetman
There is a difference between alcoholism and irresponsibility.
I know of a pilot of a well known regional airline who was a self acknowledged alcoholic, had sought treatment and who had successfully maintained complete abstinence for years. Then one day the van driver reported alcohol on his breath after driving him to the airport for a late afternoon show. He was tested and blew way over.
I do not know the circumstances behind this latest incident in OMA. None of us knows whether the problem was /is clinical alcoholism or just a case of partying too hard for too long the night before. If the former case it is good that he will now get the help he needs; if the latter he will get a harsh lesson.
But none of us knows which is the case and none of us is in a position to make judgements with regard to why this pilot ended up in the situation in which he now finds himself.
You summed it up right there in your first sentence. I know several friends who could be classified as "Functional Alcoholics" They both do not drink on a work day EVER. They know they will lose their jobs. But on their off days drink like fishes but also do not drink and drive either. If they are driving it is one beer two max. They get a designated driver or stay over. That is why I have no sympathy for anyone busted on the job. You all know the risks and there are more than a few instances of pilots being busted drinking and trying to fly the outcome is never good. Me I learned through my friends I also never drink if i know I am going to drive and I certainly am not going to do it before work. That "disease " story I am not buying it..A disease is something like cancer not alcoholism. Alcoholism even if you want to classify it that way is still a choice..Cancer is not. Even if you have the "disease" of alcoholism you can still be responsible and not drink and drive or drink and fly.