FAA extends comment period for international drug, alcohol testing proposal

Washington – The Federal Aviation Administration is extending to July 17 the comment period for its proposal to require certain foreign aircraft maintenance workers to undergo routine drug and alcohol testing.

FAA announced the proposal March 17 in response to a Congressional requirement to expand drug and alcohol testing to international certified repair stations. The agency also proposed required testing for most other workers located outside of the United States who perform safety-sensitive repair and preventive maintenance functions for U.S. aircraft.

Congress requires the testing to be consistent with any applicable laws in each country.

The original deadline for comments was May 16. Although several air transportation industry organizations requested a 120-day extension to review the proposal and prepare comments, FAA determined that 60 days would be sufficient.