AINsight: Pilots Beware of Prescription Opioids

Pilots should self-ground until the medical condition has improved and a reasonable time period has elapsed since taking any prescription opioids.

By Robert Sancetta, M.D. • AIN Contributor

March 29, 2018

Drug and alcohol testing for all DOT “safety sensitive” positions has been in place since 1991, and for the FAA specifically through protocols in FAR Part 120. Safety-sensitive functions in aviation include pilots, flight attendants, air traffic controllers, dispatchers, maintenance personnel, and a few others.

Part 121 and 135 pilots are subject to drug and alcohol testing. Testing is performed pre-employment (drugs only), random, post-accident, reasonable cause, and return to duty (after prolonged absence). Ongoing additional testing can also be done through certain special issuance medical programs for pilots in remission from drug and/or alcohol abuse or dependence. For most routine screening, drug testing is done through urine samples and alcohol testing through breathalyzers.

The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background.

Robert Sancetta, M.D.

AIN Contributor

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Dr. Robert Sancetta is a former DC-10 captain with 11,000 flight hours. He has worked as a Senior AME since 1993 and is appointed as AME Consultant to the FAA Federal Air Surgeon.

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