Not Drinking at Social Event
 

Hello! I'm attending my first Pilot Conference, TPNX, and I'm planning on attending some social events that they have planned. I no longer drink but don't want to miss a good oppurtunity to network. Any advice from people who have attended on how "heavy" the drinking is or would anyone be offended if I turn down a drink.

It's not 1990. Nobody will care either way, any non-pilot recruiter types might actually appreciate it if the drink in your hand is obviously a can of coke.

If you're worried about overly-social pilots pushing a beer in your hand, just carry a drink of your choice around all night. "I'm still working on this, but thanks"

get a club soda, ditch the straw. Have a good time watching people making poor choices and eliminating themselves from your target job!!!!!

I stopped drinking 10 years ago. Still have a good time on layovers, still very active social life (well considering I have 5 kids as active as it can be!). No body cares or even notices anymore.

As a WN pilot, there historically was a big culture of that here. At one time WN was the largest liquor distributor for certain brands! I also know several that are in the special program and thankfully so.

Anyway, times have changed. If your fellow aviators have an issue with someone not drinking, it’s their problem. I seriously feel that you shouldn’t waste any thoughts on this subject.

Enjoy the event.

When I don't feel like participating in drinking but want to hang out and socialize, I'll order a selter with a lime in it. Nobody knows it's just water, and honestly, who cares. I understand the unfortunate aspect though that a lot of networking gets done at a bar or around drinking.

So, basically you are admitting that you are a quitter. I on the other hand don’t want to be selfish and put all the nice people that work making liquor and beer out of business.

if you insist, do what my brother in law does. Club soda with a lime. Looks like a gin and tonic but tastes like ****.

Thanks for all the responses. I assumed it wouldn't be a big deal but the civilian aviation world is completely new to me! Thanks!

“What separates the alcoholics from the sex addicts ? “. The flight deck door…. Mic drop.

If I don't feel like it I just say "I'm on call" when I don't want to drink.

Or say "I'm flying within 8 hours".

But as others said, nobody really cares, we're not frat boys anymore.

noone will care if you are drinking alcohol, your good brah