What is a common consequence of flying soon after drinking alcohol?

Flying soon after consuming alcohol significantly elevates the risk of errors during flight operations. Alcohol impairs cognitive function, judgment, coordination, and reaction times, which are critical for pilots to operate an aircraft safely.

When a pilot's mental faculties are compromised, even minor decisions can lead to larger mistakes, which may affect various aspects of flying, including navigation, system management, and situational awareness. Therefore, the increased risk of errors is a direct consequence of alcohol consumption, making it a serious concern in aviation safety.

In contrast, while reduced fuel efficiency, difficulty communicating with air traffic control, and decreased visibility may have impacts on flying, they are not as directly linked as the increased risk of errors stemming from cognitive impairment. The primary concern after drinking is how it affects a pilot’s ability to perform tasks effectively, and that is best captured by the increased risk of making mistakes.