FAA Drug Testing

When it comes to aircraft, there is nothing more important than the safety of passengers, pilots, and others involved in the operation of aircraft. To that end, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is responsible for regulating and overseeing the aviation industry in the United States. With a mission to promote safety in the skies, the FAA has strict policies in place to ensure that pilots and other aviation personnel are not under the influence of drugs or alcohol while performing their duties.

To that end, the FAA has a comprehensive drug testing program that is designed to detect the use of prohibited drugs and alcohol, and it requires periodic testing of all personnel in safety-sensitive positions. Understanding the requirements of the program, as well as the conditions under which these personnel are to be tested is very important for any business that requires air travel.

Get Started With Fleet Drug Testing Today

At Fleet Drug Testing, we know how important it is to have compliance with FAA regulations. As a reliable drug testing company, we are proud to offer comprehensive solutions tailored to the unique needs of each organization. Our range of services includes pre-employment, random, reasonable suspicion, and post-accident drug testing. With our cutting-edge technology and highly trained staff, we can provide fast and accurate results that meet the FAA’s strict requirements. Contact us today to ensure that your organization is meeting the FAA’s standards for drug testing and get the peace of mind you deserve.

What Are the FAA’s Drug Testing Requirements?

Established in Title 14, Part 120 of the Code of Federal Regulations, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requires any of the following to be involved in a mandatory drug testing program:

Pilots
Flight attendants
Air traffic controllers
Aircraft maintenance personnel
Aircraft dispatchers
Flight instructors
Other aviation personnel involved in the operation of aircraft

Generally speaking, the FAA’s testing requirements vary depending on the situation. However, all FAA drug testing panels test for the following five substances:

Marijuana/THC
Cocaine
Amphetamines (including methamphetamine and MDMA)
Opioids (codeine, heroin, morphine, hydrocodone, oxycodone, hydromorphone, and oxymorphone)

Phencyclidine (PCP)

Specifically, the law outlines the requirements of the FAA’s drug testing program, which are as follows:

Pre-employment testing – All applicants for safety-sensitive positions must undergo drug testing prior to being hired.
Random testing – The FAA requires random drug testing for all safety-sensitive employees at a rate determined by the agency.

Reasonable suspicion testing – The FAA may require drug testing if there is reasonable suspicion that an employee is using drugs, based on observed behavior or other indications.
Post-accident testing – Employees involved in an aviation accident must undergo drug testing, regardless of fault.
Return-to-duty testing – Employees who have violated the FAA’s drug testing policy and have undergone rehabilitation must pass a drug test before returning to safety-sensitive duties.
Follow-up testing – Employees who have violated the FAA’s drug testing policy may be subject to unannounced follow-up testing for a period of time determined by the agency.
Testing procedures – The FAA requires that all drug testing be conducted using procedures established by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

Substance abuse professional (SAP) evaluation – Employees who violate the FAA’s drug testing policy may be required to undergo evaluation by a Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) and follow any recommended treatment or rehabilitation program.

Confidentiality – The FAA requires that all drug testing results be kept confidential and only shared on a need-to-know basis.

Generally speaking, these requirements are in line with the Department of Transportation’s (DOT) drug testing program. Overall, these requirements are designed to ensure the safety of aviation operations and the well-being of the employees who perform critical safety functions.

What Does Your FAA Drug Testing Compliance Program Need?

When your company is looking to implement an FAA-compliant drug testing program, there needs to be absolute certainty in terms of meeting the various requirements. To meet these requirements, our team can help. Among other requirements, we will ensure that your company meets regulations by providing the following elements:

Designated Employer Representative (DER) – The DER is the individual responsible for making certain that the drug and alcohol testing program is carried out in accordance with FAA regulations.
Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy – A written policy outlining the procedures for drug and alcohol testing, including the types of tests that will be conducted and the circumstances under which they will be conducted.

Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) – A SAP is a licensed healthcare professional who is trained to evaluate employees who have tested positive for drugs or alcohol and to make recommendations for treatment and follow-up testing.

Collection Sites – We are proud to offer services that include collection sites where the drug and alcohol tests are actually conducted. Collection sites must be certified by the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to ensure that the tests are conducted in accordance with federal regulations.

Laboratories – Our services include laboratories where drug and alcohol tests are analyzed. All of our laboratories are certified by the DHHS to ensure that the tests are accurate and reliable.

Records Management – FAA regulations require certain standards in terms of records management. As such, we approach records management in a highly organized and systematic manner. This is due to the sensitive and confidential nature of the information we handle, as well as the legal requirements and industry regulations that govern drug testing and the storage of test results.

Employee Education and Training – Employees must be educated about the dangers of drug and alcohol use and must be trained on the procedures for drug and alcohol testing, as well as the consequences of a positive test result.

Having these elements in place is essential to ensuring that your FAA Drug Testing Compliance Program meets the requirements set forth by the FAA and that your aviation personnel is safe and drug-free.

Fleet Drug Testing Can Meet Your Needs

At Fleet Drug Testing, we are proud to offer reliable and efficient drug testing services for your aviation industry company. Our team offers FAA-compliant drug testing services that are designed to meet the highest standards of accuracy and reliability. With our advanced testing methods and state-of-the-art technology, we guarantee quick and accurate results that will help keep your aviation operations safe and compliant.

Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you with your drug testing needs and ensure that your aviation business stays ahead of the curve. Don’t compromise on safety, choose Fleet Drug Testing.

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