A covered employee who receives one (1) verified positive drug test result on a FAA required test will be immediately removed from safety-sensitive duties.

Failing an FAA-mandated drug test is a career-altering event for anyone in a "safety-sensitive" position, such as pilots, flight attendants, or mechanics. Under 14 CFR Part 120, the immediate consequence is being removed from all safety-sensitive duties. For pilots, the FAA will likely move to suspend or revoke their medical certificate and any airman certificates they hold. To even consider returning to work, the individual must complete a rigorous "Return-to-Duty" process overseen by a Substance Abuse Professional (SAP). This involves an evaluation, a prescribed education or treatment program, and a successful "return-to-duty" drug test. Even if the person returns to the industry, they are subject to unannounced follow-up testing for up to five years. Furthermore, a failed test is recorded in the PRIA (Pilot Records Improvement Act) or the newer Pilot Records Database (PRD), which future employers must check. For many, a failed drug test results in immediate termination of employment and creates a permanent "red flag" that makes finding a job at a major commercial airline nearly impossible in the future.