Driving while intoxicated convictions and job-related flying performance – a study of commercial air safety

This paper is a report on the relationship between driving while intoxicated (DWI) convictions and job-related flying performance. The data, obtained by the Federal Aviation Administration, focus on commercial air accidents and incidents in the years 1986–1992. Pilot-error accidents were modelled using logistic regression with age, experience (total flying hours), risk exposure (recent flying hours) and employer (major/non-major) as the independent variables. This study provides empirical evidence that job-related flying performance differs significantly between airline pilots with and without DWI convictions. It also suggests that passengers on a commercial flight flown by a pilot with DWI(s) may incur an increased accident risk. DWI background checks may be an effective method for improving commercial air safety if used with appropriate follow-up actions.