Civil Aviation Authority Alcohol and Drug Testing Requirements

Alcohol and drug misuse can have a significant impact in the workplace, often resulting in higher levels of absence and reduced performance.

It also greatly increases risks to the health and safety of employees and clients, which needs to be taken particularly seriously in a sector as safety sensitive as aviation.

To ensure the highest standards of safety and professionalism within the aviation sector, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) recently developed a specific policy and additional AMC and GM to guide and direct Air Traffic Control service providers in complying with the requirements of ATS.OR.305.

What the CAA are requesting

• A provision of a comprehensive drug and alcohol policy.
• Precise procedures to safeguard against impairment of individuals while on duty on board the aircraft.
• Effective methods of detection to prevent the misuse of drugs and alcohol.
• Drug and alcohol testing and assessment by appropriately trained persons for the following situations:
  • Pre-employment
  • Periodic Random testing (undefined by volume but recommend the following Rail at 20% PA)
  • Post-incident / post-accident (2 hr response)
  • Reasonable suspicion of impairment (2 hr response)

• Awareness and policy training for all managers on:
  • The prevention and detection of the misuse of psychoactive substances
  • The effects of misuse on the individual and flight safety
  • Policy and procedures
  • Individual responsibilities

• Consistency and equality through all testing procedures and policies.

Who do these policy requirements affect?

It is crucial that the aforementioned measures are implemented for the following personnel:

• Passenger handling staff
• Crew members
• Other safety-sensitive personnel
• Air traffic control personnel

Neglecting them could compromise safety standards and expose individuals and organisations to potential legal consequences.