Recently, there were some scandals of aircraft pilots regarding drinking in Japan.
Some months ago, similar incidents were reported in abroad. Therefore, airline companies in Japan were keen to address this issue. They conducted strict alcohol checking for flight staffs.
However, All Nippon Airways, a leading airline company in Japan, had to report a delay of departure due to a co-pilot having failed an alcohol breath test.
The Jakarta Post: Pilot drinking delays Japan plane despite new rules
The co-pilot drunk a can of beer and half a can of a spirit-based drink six hours before the flight. In general, the Japanese are not good to metabolize alcohol in the body. Many Japanese, including me, lack specific enzymes to detoxicate alcohol. Six hours were not enough for the co-pilot to cancel the influence of alcohol completely.
I suspect similar incidences frequently occurred before, though not reported. Most of them seemed not to result in a critical problem. Nonetheless, an absolute rule is necessary for this region since the safety of flight is prioritized.
On the other hand, I am afraid some pilots are suffering from alcohol dependence or other mental disorders. Pilots always take health examination in detail. But, mental disorders are hardly detected if the patient wants to conceal the fact.
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