Nationwide FAA Drug Testing for Pilots

In today’s time, air transport is the fastest and most preferred means of communication. So, is it not important to keep our skies safe? On September 15, 1986, President Ronald Reagan signed an Executive order requiring the (FAA) Federal Aviation Administration to establish a drug-testing program for pilots and air traffic controllers. Like most drivers, pilots too are subject to the regulations of the DOT Alcohol Testing and Drug Testing Policy. Drug and alcohol testing of safety aviation employees helps to avoid casualties due to drug intake and keep our skies safe.

Who should undergo drug testing?

  • Pilots
  • Flight attendants
  • Flight instructor 
  • Flight crew member 
  • Aircraft dispatchers 
  • Maintenance workers 
  • Ground security 
  • Air traffic controller 

All above must stay in line with FAA drug testing as required by the DOT. Not adhering to DOT laws can result in penalties such as forced work leave, expensive fine and at times even imprisonment.

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How often pilots are tested in accordance to FAA?

Considering the safety factor drug use in aviation is closely monitored. As compared to other transport operators a pilot has to have a clear and focused mind to maintain the safety and well being of fellow passengers. Studies show that drug use is actually uncommon among the pilots due to high-level concentration required during flight. The Fox News stated that in 2015 out of 56,000 alcohol screening test done around 0.2 percent pilots were confirmed to have consumed alcohol above the legal limit.

  • Pre-Employment Testing:  

Any individual who applies for job involving aviation duties or is transferred to such department has to undergo FAA drug testing. 

 

  • Post Accident Testing: 

 

A pilot has to undergo a drug and alcohol testing within 32 hours of an accident. A pilot should not consume alcohol for eight hours prior his flight.

 

  • Random Testing: 

 

For ensuring public safety FAA require conducting random testing. At least a minimum of 50% pilots have to undergo for random drug testing and minimum of 25% pilots for random alcohol testing. 

 

  • Reasonable Suspicion Testing:

 

Any behavioral changes which arouse suspicion or deterioration in performance compel a pilot to undergo drug testing. The supervisor should be well trained to gauge, if use of drug or alcohol is the reason behind certain casualty.

 

  • Return-to-duty-testing:

 

FAA return to drug testing is done on a pilot who had previously tested positive to drug test and was removed from work and resumes work again. Before conducting the test, the (SAP) Substance Abuse Professionals needs to perform a revaluation to assess that the treatment of the employee is successfully completed.

 

  • Follow up testing:

 

In accordance to FAA drug testing a pilot who have before passed a return to duty test requires six follow-up tests in the first year.

In case an employee refuses to undergo drug and alcohol testing it will result in immediate removal from safety-sensitive duties or termination or revocation of FAA certificate.

 

What drugs do pilot get tested for?   

At 247 onsite drug testing on pilot is undertaken for the following substance. 

  • Marijuana 
  • Cocaine
  • Opiates        
  • Phencyclidine (PCP) 
  • Amphetamines (which includes methamphetamine and MDMA)

For DOT Alcohol Testing the prohibited alcohol concentration for FAA employee is 0.04 or greater. 

What kind of drug test the FAA use? 

There are two types of tests screening and confirmation. The screening test is cheap and it easily detects person who might have used drugs. If the screening test is positive the sample goes for second confirmatory test which is expensive and specific. The confirmatory test is the final say on the report being positive.

Tests are conducted on different specimens.
  • Urine Test: Urine sample are collected which can detect drug usage up to 7 days, heavy drug like marijuana can be detected up to 30 days.
  • Hair Test: A 1.5 inch hair sample is taken from the scalp which can provide history of drug usage for past 90 days.
  • Breathe Test: Breathe test gives guaranteed and accurate result of Alcohol consumption. 247 onsite has trained breath alcohol technician and breathe alcohol machines to perform the alcohol test.
  • Saliva Test: Saliva test is most accurate and convenient for on-site drug testing. This test does not have any possibility of cheating. 

24/7 Onsite have certified collectors for collection of samples from pilots, who ensures that all samples reach the laboratory without tampering. 

Conclusion:

Implementing a drug and alcohol testing will significantly cost the employer. But compared to the safety and mishaps or injuries arising due to drug abuse, the cost is meaningless. Besides passengers are more confident to fly with airline companies where the pilots are screened for drugs. This in turns increases revenue and balances the cost.

24/7 Onsite specialize in all FAA testing required for pilot drug testing and follows DOT procedure for specimen collection. Our collectors are available 24/7 for airport drug testing. And we give guaranteed result with 100% follow up and in case of unsatisfied collection or result; we conduct the next test free of cost.

We at 24/7 Onsite also educate pilots about drug abuse and its ill effect on one’s life. Also pilots affected with drug addiction are helped by counselors to remove the negative effects of drug abuse from their work and lives and thus return back to work.

Our mission is to make travel safer and simpler for passengers. For more information about our services and FAA testing centre visit https://247onsite.net.