FAA Part 145 Repair Station Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy

[Don Palmer]

Rob,
The small repair station I worked for in the 90s used a consortium similar to this one. The one we used did not do the actual testing. Instead, we had to be escorted to a local laboratory for the test. You may want to find one suitable for your needs by Googling.

We currently contract a clinic to do onsite.

 

[Rob Nix]

Part 121 - yes, I knew that already.

Muleskinner, I did check out the pamphlet. Keep looking.

A little hint: the U.S. Government we ain't! The repair station activity is kind of a side job at our machine shop - we have only 4 certificated repairmen. If we have to randomly drug test 25% of them, what shall we do? Play ennie meenie minie moe? "Charlie, you get it this year."

Googling: Al, thanks, but I've "been there, done that".

Our current practices related to drugs consists only of pre-employment testing and testing whenever there is an injury accident. From what I'm learning, we have a ways to go.

BTW, I thank all of you again for your extra time helping me out here. Once again, the Cove is paying off mightily!!!

 

[Al Rosen]

A little hint: the U.S. Government we ain't! The repair station activity is kind of a side job at our machine shop - we have only 4 certificated repairmen. If we have to randomly drug test 25% of them, what shall we do? Play ennie meenie minie moe? "Charlie, you get it this year."

Those four may not be the only ones required to be covered in the program!

 

[Rob Nix]

I think I need a drink.

 

[Al Rosen]

Rob, anyone performing aircraft maintenance under the supervision of a repairman would be covered.

 

[Don Palmer]

A little hint: the U.S. Government we ain't! The repair station activity is kind of a side job at our machine shop - we have only 4 certificated repairmen. If we have to randomly drug test 25% of them, what shall we do? Play ennie meenie minie moe? "Charlie, you get it this year."

Rob, What does your FAA/FSDO Primary Maintenance Inspector have to say about this. It's a bit difficult for me to relate, since I have three uniquely independent Part 145 certificated repair stations (same parent company), each having from 30 to 150 people that fit into the random 25%.

Do you already have certification, or are you seeking certification?

 

[Al Rosen]

Rob, if you are in the consortium, the 25% is of the consortium's total population. So, it is possible to not have a test performed on your covered employees during the year. It's in the regulation.

 

[Tammy N]

I am the quality manager for a small division (20 employees) of a very large company. We are a repair station that has not performed any FAA work for several years, but we maintain our certificate. Last week I received a visit from the Drug Abatement Division. They called me up and told me when they would be here and gave me no choice. So, I my drug and alcohol program was just audited and we came through it with no findings. Attached is some of the guidance I used to ensure we were compliant. They perform a pretty extensive audit. If you have any specific questions, let me know and I will help you all I can.

 

[Barry8Track]

Hi Folks, maybe I can save you a little searching. I'm a Technician Level 3 at a licensed FAA Repair Station (Part 145). At any time, we can be singled out for a random Federal drug and alcohol test. I don't know the penalties involved for coming up dirty, but I do know the program is required.

We are also restricted on the amount of alcohol we are allowed to consume; my understanding is that we cannot get legally drunk, even on our own time, though we can consume moderate amounts as long as there are no remaining effects when we report to work.

The test is completely random, and without any advance notice whatsoever. From the time we are informed of the test to the actual testing is roughly 30 minutes - the time it takes to drive to the testing facility. I've been at this company 15 months and have been tested 3 to 5 times.