Does the FAA use a urine drug test?

This is lab-based test with a urine specimen and tested at a lab certified by the Federal Government. The results of the FAA drug test must always be reviewed by a medical review officer (MRO). Employers often ask about the pre-employment FAA drug test upon return to the job after an extended absence or furlough.



People Also Ask

Yes. The federal drug and alcohol testing regulations under 14 CFR Part 120 and 49 CFR Part 40apply to all Part 119 certificate holders who are authorized to conduct operations under Part 135.

MORE DETAILS

A routine part of the FAA medical exam is a urinalysis to check for sugar or protein, indicators of possible diabetes or kidney disease. Even as a commercial pilot participating in the DOT/FAA drug testing program, a drug test is done independent of an aviation medical examination.

MORE DETAILS

These medical conditions include a personality disorder manifested by overt acts, a psychosis, alcoholism, drug dependence, epilepsy, an unexplained disturbance of consciousness, myocardial infarction, angina pectoris, and diabetes requiring medication for its control.

MORE DETAILS

According to CFR Part 40.85, the standard urine samples are tested for marijuana metabolites, cocaine metabolites, amphetamines, opioids, and phencyclidine (PCP).

MORE DETAILS

Employer Response to a Failed Drug Test The employer is required to immediately remove the pilot from safety sensitive duties, provide a list of Substance Abuse Professionals (SAP), and report the failed test to the FAA within 2 working days. Unfortunately, the employer can also terminate the pilot's job at this time.

MORE DETAILS

And because drug tests can't tell the difference between THC and CBD, pilots who are suspected of using THC, accidentally through CBD or otherwise, can be subject to certificate revocation while a positive drug test following an accident could even jeopardize insurance coverage.

MORE DETAILS

How many pilots fail drug tests? The FAA has found that about 0.06 percent of pilots and air traffic controllers have a confirmed positive drug test, which works out to a cost of about $45,000 per positive result.

MORE DETAILS