FAA drug and alcohol testing is a mandated federal program designed to prevent accidents and protect passenger safety by ensuring that aviation personnel performing safety-sensitive functions remain drug- and alcohol-free.
This program applies to employees of:
- Air carriers operating under Part 121 and Part 135
- Air traffic control facilities not operated by the FAA
- Aviation repair stations electing to implement Part 120 testing
- Contractors performing covered safety-sensitive duties
All FAA DOT drug and alcohol testing must follow the procedures set forth in 49 CFR Part 40 to be compliant.
Employees subject to FAA drug and alcohol testing include individuals performing:
- Flight crew operations (pilots, copilots)
- Aircraft maintenance and repair
- Air traffic control activities
- Ground security coordination
- Aircraft dispatch and screening duties
- Flight attendants and certain contracted positions
A verified negative result is required before an individual begins any safety-sensitive function.
Employees are selected randomly throughout the year using a scientifically valid method. Random rates may align with DOT minimums or higher based on company policy.
Following certain accidents or incidents, employers must conduct drug and alcohol testing to determine impairment as a factor.
Testing conducted when trained supervisors observe behavior indicating possible impairment.
After a violation or SAP referral, employees must complete return-to-duty testing and unannounced follow-up testing per regulatory guidelines.
Note: Alcohol tests must comply with FAA-specific breath and blood protocols, and employees may face testing criteria under both FAA and DOT during safety-sensitive work.
FAA drug testing follows the DOT standard panel under 49 CFR Part 40, including:
- Marijuana metabolites
- Cocaine metabolites
- Opioids (including semi-synthetic opioids)
- Amphetamines & Methamphetamines
- Phencyclclidine (PCP)
Alcohol testing typically measures a breath or blood alcohol concentration (BAC) and prohibits safety-sensitive duty with a BAC ≥ 0.04.
A compliant FAA DOT program requires:
- A written drug and alcohol misuse prevention policy
- Registration and operations specifications with the FAA
- Documentation of procedures aligned with 14 CFR Part 120
- Adherence to 49 CFR Part 40 testing and chain-of-custody protocols
- Supervisor training on drug and alcohol detection
Air carriers and certificate holders must update their program’s Letter of Authorization and maintain records as required by regulation.
Access SAMHSA- and FAA-approved collection sites across the U.S.
Testing procedures strictly follow 14 CFR Part 120 and 49 CFR Part 40 federal standards.
MRO-reviewed results delivered electronically for quick compliance action.
We help aviation employers maintain records and policies ready for federal inspection.
From consortium enrollment to program implementation, our compliance team simplifies complexity.
