In aviation, safety is non-negotiable. Every flight, every inspection, and every decision relies on alert, responsible professionals. That’s why the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) enforces strict drug and alcohol testing rules for employees in safety-sensitive positions.
At Patriot Safety and Services, we provide FAA drug testing and compliance services designed to keep your organization fully compliant with FAA regulations while maintaining a safe, efficient, and drug-free workplace.
What Is FAA Drug Testing?
FAA drug testing is a mandatory process under 14 CFR Part 120 and 49 CFR Part 40, ensuring that aviation professionals remain free from drugs or alcohol while performing safety-critical duties.
This includes pilots, flight attendants, aircraft mechanics, air traffic controllers, and ground-handling personnel. Testing is performed across several stages:
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Pre-Employment Testing: Required before hiring anyone into a safety-sensitive role.
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Random Testing: Conducted throughout the year to deter substance use.
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Post-Accident Testing: Ordered after incidents to determine whether impairment was a factor.
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Reasonable Suspicion Testing: Triggered when a trained supervisor observes behaviors suggesting impairment.
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Return-to-Duty and Follow-Up Testing: Conducted after a policy violation or treatment program.
These screenings maintain public trust and align with the FAA’s Drug Abatement Division guidelines.
👉 Learn more directly from the FAA’s official drug and alcohol testing page.
Why FAA Drug Testing and Compliance Matter
1. Protecting Aviation Safety
Even a small lapse can lead to catastrophic results. FAA drug testing safeguards passengers, crew, and the public by ensuring everyone involved in flight operations is unimpaired and fully capable.
2. Meeting Federal Compliance Standards
Failure to meet FAA compliance requirements can result in fines, certificate suspension, or grounding. Our team helps you stay audit-ready and compliant with all DOT and FAA regulations.
You can also explore our DOT drug testing program to learn how we maintain compliance across transportation sectors.
3. Reducing Liability and Legal Risk
Compliance not only protects lives but also shields your business from lawsuits, workers’ comp claims, and higher insurance costs.
If you want to strengthen internal safety protocols, our workplace safety compliance solutions can help your business meet both FAA and OSHA safety expectations.
4. Building a Drug-Free Workplace
Regular testing reinforces a culture of integrity and accountability. It shows your commitment to maintaining a professional, reliable, and safety-driven workforce.
Comprehensive FAA Drug Testing Services
At Patriot Safety and Services, we offer all FAA-required drug and alcohol testing options, combining accuracy with efficiency.
Pre-Employment Drug Testing
Before an employee begins safety-sensitive duties, FAA regulations demand a verified negative result. We handle scheduling, collection, and reporting to simplify the entire onboarding process.
Random Drug Testing
The FAA mandates that at least 50% of covered employees undergo random drug testing each year. Our automated selection process ensures fairness and complete compliance.
You can also check our random drug testing management service for other federally regulated industries.
Post-Accident Testing
After any incident, employers must complete post-accident testing within specific FAA-defined timeframes. We provide on-site and emergency testing 24/7 to help you stay compliant and protect your operation’s integrity.
Reasonable Suspicion Testing
We assist supervisors in identifying and documenting signs of impairment, then coordinate prompt, compliant testing. Training modules are available to help management comply with FAA guidelines.
Return-to-Duty and Follow-Up Testing
After a violation, employees must complete counseling through a Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) and test negative before returning to duty. We manage these steps and schedule required follow-up testing.
For long-term monitoring and recovery support, explore our substance abuse testing and monitoring program — designed for high-compliance industries like aviation.
Why Choose Patriot Safety and Services
When aviation safety and compliance are on the line, precision matters. Here’s why aviation companies across the U.S. trust us:
✅ Full FAA & DOT Compliance — Every test meets federal collection, analysis, and reporting standards.
✅ Comprehensive Testing Suite — From pre-hire to return-to-duty, we cover every required testing phase.
✅ Nationwide Coverage — Our collection sites and on-site teams serve businesses in all 50 states.
✅ Fast, Reliable Results — We deliver accurate results with minimal downtime.
✅ Expert Compliance Support — Our specialists know FAA audits and documentation requirements inside-out.
✅ Confidentiality First — All results are handled securely, following federal privacy regulations.
When you choose Patriot Safety and Services, you gain more than a vendor — you gain a trusted compliance partner who helps you focus on what matters most: safe, successful aviation operations.
Industries We Serve
Our FAA drug testing and compliance services are designed for:
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Commercial and charter airlines
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Air traffic control providers
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Aviation maintenance and MRO facilities
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Flight schools and pilot academies
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Private and corporate aviation companies
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Freight and air cargo services
Each sector faces unique FAA oversight, and our experts tailor testing programs to your specific certification and compliance needs.
Compliance Documentation and Audit Support
In addition to testing, we provide complete documentation and audit support — from policy creation to statistical reporting. We maintain all records per FAA retention requirements, so you’re always prepared for inspection.
Our compliance management services help streamline your FAA record-keeping, DER communication, and audit readiness process.
Get Started with Patriot Safety and Services
Aviation safety begins with a proactive approach to compliance. Our FAA drug testing and compliance services ensure that your organization operates with integrity, safety, and full legal alignment.
Whether you manage a single aircrew or a nationwide operation, Patriot Safety and Services is here to help you build a drug-free, regulation-ready workplace.
Contact us today to learn how our FAA-compliant programs can help your business stay safe, compliant, and confident.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What are FAA drug testing and compliance services?
They are federally required programs that help aviation employers stay compliant with FAA and DOT drug and alcohol testing rules for safety-sensitive employees.
2. Who must take FAA drug and alcohol tests?
All aviation workers in safety-sensitive roles — including pilots, mechanics, dispatchers, and flight attendants — must take part in FAA-regulated testing.
3. How often does the FAA require random testing?
The FAA requires at least 50% of covered employees to be randomly tested for drugs and 10% for alcohol each year.
4. What happens if an employee fails a drug test?
They are removed from duty, must see a Substance Abuse Professional (SAP), complete treatment, and pass a return-to-duty test before resuming work.
5. How do these services protect employers?
They reduce accidents, legal risk, and fines by keeping aviation companies compliant with FAA safety and drug-free workplace rules.
6. How can Patriot Safety and Services help?
We provide complete FAA drug testing and compliance services — handling testing, reporting, and documentation so your business stays safe and audit-ready.
