In total, 212 alcohol checks were carried out between 7:00 and 8:30 AM among cabin and cockpit personnel. One steward tested positive on the breathalyzer, blowing 280 μg/L. The Public Prosecution Service set the fine at 1100 euros and a flying ban of 5 hours. The maximum allowed blood alcohol level in aviation is 0.2 per mille. A pilot had consumed alcohol but remained below the maximum limit. He was not allowed to fly and received a flying ban of one hour and was prohibited by his employer from flying for the entire day.
Aircraft personnel are not allowed to consume alcohol within ten hours before a flight.
Increasing Safety in Aviation
The Aviation Supervision Team of the National Expertise and Operations unit regularly conducts such checks among cabin and cockpit personnel of scheduled and private flights at various airports in the Netherlands. These checks are not only performed at major airports with passenger flights but also at smaller airports where many general aviation flights depart. The inspections aim to enhance safety in air traffic.