FAA Drug and Alcohol Testing Services

NMS Screening & Compliance provides structured, FAA-compliant drug and alcohol testing support designed to help aviation employers meet regulatory requirements, reduce compliance risk, and maintain a safe, drug-free workplace.

FAA Drug & Alcohol Testing Compliance Requirements

FAA regulations require drug and alcohol testing for employees who perform safety-sensitive aviation functions, including but not limited to:

• Flight crew members.
• Flight attendants.
• Flight instructors.
• Aircraft dispatchers.
• Aircraft maintenance and preventive maintenance personnel.
• Ground security coordinators.
• Air traffic control personnel (where applicable).

FAA Random Testing Rates

FAA-regulated employers must conduct random testing throughout the calendar year at the following minimum annual rates, unless formally adjusted by the FAA:

• 50% for controlled substances (DOT 5-panel urine drug test).
• 10% for alcohol (breath alcohol testing).

FAA Drug & Alcohol Testing Program Elements

NMS Screening & Compliance supports FAA-compliant testing programs that include the following required test types:

• Pre-Employment Testing: Drug testing conducted before an employee performs safety-sensitive functions.
• Random Testing: Scientifically valid, unannounced random testing conducted throughout the year.
• Post-Accident Testing: Testing conducted following qualifying aviation accidents or incidents, as defined by FAA regulations.
• Reasonable Cause / Reasonable Suspicion Testing: Testing based on specific, contemporaneous observations of possible drug or alcohol use.
• Return-to-Duty and Follow-Up Testing: Required testing for employees returning to safety-sensitive duties following a violation, as directed by a Substance Abuse Professional (SAP).

FAA Compliance Support Services

NMS Screening & Compliance provides compliance-focused support designed to help aviation employers remain audit-ready, including:

• FAA-compliant random testing pool administration.
• Testing coordination and documentation support.
• Assistance with policy development and implementation.
• Coordination with Medical Review Officers (MROs) and Substance Abuse Professionals (SAPs).
• Support during FAA inspections and audits.

Consequences of Noncompliance with FAA Drug Testing Regulations

Employers regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are required to implement and maintain compliant drug and alcohol testing programs for employees performing safety-sensitive functions in accordance with 14 CFR Part 120 and 49 CFR Part 40. Failure to establish, maintain, or properly administer a compliant testing program may result in FAA enforcement actions, including notices of violation and civil penalties assessed on a per-violation basis. In addition, individual employees who violate FAA drug and alcohol testing requirements may be subject to removal from safety-sensitive duties and administrative actions affecting their FAA certificates or eligibility to perform covered functions.

NMS OnBoard™: Centralized FAA Drug & Alcohol Testing Oversight

NMS Screening & Compliance supports FAA drug and alcohol testing programs through NMS OnBoard™, a secure, cloud-based, mobile-enabled platform that centralizes testing coordination, status tracking, and documentation management. NMS OnBoard™ provides employers with real-time visibility into FAA-regulated testing activity, including pre-employment, random, post-accident, reasonable suspicion, and return-to-duty testing. The platform supports consistent workflows, secure record retention, and integration with Medical Review Officer (MRO) and laboratory reporting, helping aviation employers maintain clear oversight and audit readiness across safety-sensitive operations.

Why Choose NMS Screening & Compliance?

• Regulatory Expertise: Our team stays current on federal and state regulations to provide accurate guidance and help ensure ongoing compliance.
• Custom Solutions: Drug and alcohol testing programs tailored to your organization’s operational structure, risk profile, and legal
  requirements.
• Nationwide Coverage: Reliable, compliant testing services across multiple states to support local, regional, and national aviation
  operations.
• Comprehensive Services: A full spectrum of drug and alcohol testing and compliance support solutions for organizations of all sizes.
• Expert Guidance: Experienced professionals providing practical support for compliance management, policy development, and program
  implementation.
• Flexible Options: Multiple testing and program configurations designed to fit your organization’s operational needs.