Effects of low blood alcohol levels on pilots' prioritisation of tasks during a radio navitation task

Smith, Fiona J. and Harris, Don (1994). Effects of low blood alcohol levels on pilots' prioritisation of tasks during a radio navitation task. The International Journals of Aviation Psychology, 4(4) pp. 349–358.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1207/s15327108ijap0404_4

Abstract

Eight pilots flew a specified cross-country route using radio navigation in a flight simulator with simulated air traffic control. Four of the pilots flew with a low blood alcohol level (BAL; mean BAL = 20.63 mg%). Pilots' performance was compared in terms of flying performance, navigation, and radio communication. We hypothesized that the tasks most likely to be shed as a result of alcohol impairment would be those lower down in the task prioritization hierarchy of "aviate, navigate and communicate." This hypothesis was supported; alcohol was found to impair significantly pilots' radio communication. Results are discussed with reference to the piloting task and the implications for alcohol regulation in aviation.