What is the DOT drug test for pilots?

The FAA drug test is the DOT 5 Panel Drug Test consisting of a test for OPI-Opioids (including heroin, codeine, morphine, oxycodone, oxymorphone, hydrocodone, and hydromorphone), PCP-Phencyclidine, AMP-Amphetamines (MAMP-Methamphetamine, MDMA-Ecstasy), COC-Cocaine and THC-Marijuana.



The Department of Transportation (DOT) drug test for pilots is a mandatory, highly regulated screening process governed by 49 CFR Part 40. Commercial pilots are subject to a "five-panel" drug screen that tests for Marijuana (THC), Cocaine, Amphetamines (including MDMA/Ecstasy), Opiates (including Heroin and Codeine), and Phencyclidine (PCP). Testing can occur in several scenarios: pre-employment, post-accident, "reasonable suspicion," and most commonly, unannounced random testing. Random tests act as a powerful deterrent and can happen at any time during a pilot's duty period. Alcohol testing is also conducted, usually via a breathalyzer, with a strict "bottle to throttle" rule—the FAA prohibits flying with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.04% or higher, though many airlines have even stricter "zero-tolerance" policies. In 2026, a single failed drug or alcohol test is often career-ending, as it leads to the immediate suspension or revocation of the pilot's medical certificate and license.

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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.

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In addition, failing a DOT drug and alcohol test remains on your record for three years. While this may not seem very long, if you are terminated because of the drug test result, the termination remains on your record for even longer.

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

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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.

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How Often Do TSA Agents Get Drug Tested? TSA officers are randomly drug tested. According to the Transportation Security Administration, about 10% of all employees will be selected at random for their drug tests each year.

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According to The May 2021 Occupational Outlook Handbook, the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the salary for commercial pilots is $99,640 per year. The median annual wage for airline pilots, copilots and flight engineers is $202,180.

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