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FAA Drug Testing Information


All Part 119 Certificate holders that have authority to operate under part 121 and/or 135 must comply with 49 CFR Part 40 and 14 CFR part 120. These regulations include air carriers, aircraft maintenance, and preventative maintenance companies. Employers should also note that any individuals who perform safety-sensitive functions by contract must be included in the FAA drug and alcohol testing program.


The following types of safety-sensitive functions are covered by the FAA's drug and alcohol testing regulations

  • Flight crewmember duties
  • Flight attendant duties
  • Flight instruction duties
  • Aircraft dispatcher duties
  • Aircraft maintenance and preventive maintenance
  • Ground security coordinator duties
  • Aviation screening duties
  • Air traffic control duties
  • Part 119 Certificate Holders
  • Air Tour Operators
  • Air traffic control facilities not operated by the FAA
  • Part 145 Certificate Holders
  • FAA Repair Stations


FAA Drug & Alcohol Testing Requirements for Aviation Employers

FAA-regulated drug and alcohol testing applies to employees and contractors performing safety-sensitive functions in aviation under 14 CFR Part 120, using DOT procedures in 49 CFR Part 40.

Accredited Drug Testing helps aviation employers implement and operate compliant programs with nationwide testing locations, program documentation support, and operational guidance for audit readiness.

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Educational guidance; consult official FAA/DOT sources and your counsel for legal interpretation.

FAA Compliance Support

  • Program setup & administration guidance
  • Nationwide collections (DOT procedures)
  • MRO review (as applicable)
  • Policy/documentation support
  • Audit readiness assistance

Who Is Covered Under FAA Testing?

FAA testing generally applies to aviation employees/contractors performing designated safety-sensitive functions. Covered roles often include operations and maintenance functions where impairment could impact safety.

Tip: If you use contractors, ensure your program clearly defines covered functions, responsibilities, and documentation.

Common FAA Testing Events

Pre-Employment (Drug)
Before safety-sensitive work begins.
Random (Drug & Alcohol)
Ongoing selection in a compliant pool.
Post-Accident / Incident
Triggered by qualifying events under your program/regulations.
Reasonable Cause / Suspicion
Based on contemporaneous observations.
Return-to-Duty
After a violation and SAP process completion.
Follow-Up
As directed following RTD requirements.
Note: DOT testing procedures (collection, lab, MRO processes, refusals) follow 49 CFR Part 40.

How to Implement an FAA-Compliant Program

  1. Identify covered safety-sensitive functions and covered employees/contractors
  2. Set up your testing program (policy, procedures, recordkeeping)
  3. Establish random testing administration and selection process
  4. Train supervisors (reasonable suspicion) and document training
  5. Maintain documentation for audits and compliance reviews

Need operational help?

We can help you structure the program, keep documentation organized, and schedule tests nationwide.

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Reviewed by a Compliance Professional

John Burgos, CSAPA

Practical DOT/FAA program support for employers and contractors—focused on clear requirements, documentation readiness, and real-world administration.

Last updated: February 26, 2026

Related DOT Compliance Resources

DOT Drug & Alcohol Testing (Pillar)

DOT-wide overview and compliance foundations.

View DOT Overview

DOT Testing Locations

Find a nearby collection site for DOT testing.

Find a Location

DOT Agencies (Quick Links)

FMCSA FAA FRA FTA PHMSA USCG

FAA Drug & Alcohol Testing FAQs

FAA-covered testing generally applies to employees/contractors performing designated safety-sensitive functions in aviation. Your program should clearly define covered functions and covered personnel.

Programs typically include pre-employment (drug), random (drug & alcohol), post-accident/incident, reasonable cause/suspicion, return-to-duty, and follow-up testing—using DOT procedures in 49 CFR Part 40.

Yes—if contractors perform covered safety-sensitive functions, your program should address how covered contractors are managed, documented, and tested.
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