For aviation employers, safety is more than a value—it’s a federal mandate. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) enforces strict standards for drug and alcohol testing of employees who perform safety-sensitive functions. To operate legally, maintaining compliance under FAA Part 120 is non-negotiable.
That’s where FAA drug testing and compliance services come in. These services help aviation employers stay audit-ready, reduce liability, and protect the integrity of their workforce—especially those managing flight schools, charter operations, or maintenance crews across multiple locations.
Understanding FAA Drug Testing Requirements
Under FAA regulations, any individual performing a safety-sensitive role must be included in a federally compliant drug and alcohol testing program. This includes:
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Pilots
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Mechanics
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Dispatchers
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Flight attendants
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Ground security coordinators
FAA-compliant drug testing services ensure employers meet requirements for:
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Pre-employment drug testing
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Random drug and alcohol testing
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Post-accident testing
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Reasonable suspicion testing
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Return-to-duty and follow-up testing
Each test must utilize a certified lab, include oversight by a Medical Review Officer (MRO), and follow DOT Part 40 procedures.
Key Components
Policy Development and Implementation
Employers must implement a written drug and alcohol testing policy that:
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Aligns with FAA regulations (Part 120 and DOT Part 40)
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Details roles and responsibilities
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Defines procedures for testing and result handling
Patriot Safety and Services helps aviation businesses draft and maintain FAA-compliant policies as part of its full-service support.
Random Testing Pool Management
The FAA requires annual testing of:
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25% of safety-sensitive employees for drugs
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10% for alcohol
FAA drug testing services ensure the random selection process is scientifically valid, impartial, and fully documented—key for audit defense and compliance tracking.
Testing Site Coordination & Mobile Collections
A compliant program must ensure quick and convenient access to testing facilities or on-site testing where needed. On-site drug testing services are especially valuable for:
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Remote airfields
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Emergency post-incident scenarios
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After-hours or short-notice situations (24/7 emergency testing)
Integration with FAA-Qualified MROs
All positive drug test results must be reviewed by a certified Medical Review Officer, who ensures the findings are accurate and confidential. Patriot’s FAA compliance solutions include seamless MRO integration.
Recordkeeping and Compliance Reporting
The FAA requires detailed documentation for each test, including:
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Chain-of-custody
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MRO-reviewed results
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Employee notifications
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Return-to-duty tracking
Patriot’s digital compliance recordkeeping makes staying audit-ready easier with secure storage and auto-reminders.
Avoiding Common Pitfalls in FAA Compliance
Many violations result from unintentional oversights such as:
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Incomplete or outdated policies
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Improper random testing methods
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Inconsistent use of certified labs
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Lack of supervisor training for reasonable suspicion
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Gaps in follow-up or return-to-duty testing
Supervisor training programs offered by Patriot help mitigate these risks by equipping managers with the knowledge to act responsibly and legally.
Why Third-Party Management Makes Sense
Whether you’re managing a flight school or multiple hangars, FAA compliance takes time, expertise, and consistency. Third-party administrators (TPAs) like Patriot Safety and Services provide:
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Centralized testing program management
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Nationwide access to labs and mobile units
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Compliance dashboards and audit prep tools
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Real-time alerts for expiring certifications or due tests
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Scalable support that grows with your business
Learn more about our nationwide TPA software platform and how it simplifies aviation compliance.
FAA Drug Testing and Compliance Services from Patriot
Patriot Safety and Services offers tailored FAA drug testing solutions for aviation companies throughout Texas and the southeastern U.S., including:
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FAA-compliant drug and alcohol testing
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Random pool management and scientifically valid selection
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Pre-employment, post-accident, reasonable suspicion, and follow-up testing
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MRO integration and electronic reporting
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Supervisor education and policy development
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Digital audit-ready recordkeeping
Explore related services like DOT compliance drug testing and background screenings for FAA-regulated employers.
Final Thoughts
Aviation safety begins with a drug- and alcohol-free workforce. FAA drug testing and compliance services are essential—not optional—for employers operating under FAA Part 120.
Partnering with an experienced provider like Patriot Safety and Services ensures:
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Every test follows federal guidelines
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Every record is audit-ready
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Every team member is protected
✅ Contact Patriot today to start or improve your FAA-compliant drug and alcohol testing program.
