I once left the office after work and went to the bar with a co-
worker. We sat through happy hour, 5pm-7pm, and had exactly 2 drinks.
We then went to his house and messed around with his computers and
electronic gadgets and played a couple of games of pool in his rec-
room while enjoying a cigar. Those are the facts.

Now...the way my EX told the story...I was out drinking with Jason
until 2am again. Running all over town with "God-knows-who" doing "God-
knows-what" and coming home smelling like an ashtray.

Just because she woke up at 2am and looked at the clock (after I had
already been home and in bed for more than 2 hours) does not mean I
was out drinking until 2am.

When she told her friends this story I was not there to clear up the
details. Was that fair of her? How did her friends perceive me based
on that information without even knowing me?

THAT the information was given, I do not see as a problem. HOW the
information was given, with opinions stated as facts, details
sensationalized (such as "being up until 4:00 AM drinking on flying
days")...that I wag my finger at.

Was he drinking at 4am? Did someone see him take a shot and note the
time at 4am? Was it HIS flying day or just "on flying days" in general
(days that he may not even be scheduled to fly)? The verbiage is not
clear. Did he fly within 8 hours of drinking or have a blood alcohol
level above legal limit (0.04%)?

Assuming all this is fact...Pays tab at 4am and flies at noon. If one
is fit to fly and within all legal limits. Does that not meet the
requirements (even if not recommended for comfort reasons)?

That being said. Here is my PERSONAL policy.
I am an American glider pilot and I NEVER drink even the day before I
fly...as a rule. I know that is far more than required but that is my
personal limit. But I have been known to sit with friends while they
drink and have a Cranberry Tonic. Not a drop of alcohol in it. But to
an observer... especially a "coaching staff who is already upset with
my cocky attitude".

Food for thought...

Fox