VHR Achieves FAA Drug & Alcohol Testing Program Certification, Enabling Fully Compliant Contractor Supply Across the U.S.

VHR has been certified under the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Drug and Alcohol Testing Program, bringing our contractor operations into full alignment with U.S. federal law for safety‑sensitive aviation roles. This certification means every contractor we place into U.S. aviation positions will complete pre‑employment (day‑one) drug testing before performing any safety‑sensitive duties, and will be enrolled in ongoing, FAA‑mandated random testing thereafter. By meeting these requirements, VHR can confidently and legally provide skilled aviation professionals to all U.S. aviation clients.

What the Program is and Why It Matters

The FAA’s Drug and Alcohol Testing Program is rooted in federal statute and regulation to safeguard the traveling public and the aviation system. It operates under:

• 49 CFR Part 40 – DOT procedures for drug and alcohol testing
• 14 CFR Part 120 – FAA-specific program requirements
• The Omnibus Transportation Employees Testing Act of 1991 – mandates testing for safety‑sensitive transportation employees
  Source: FAA Program Overview

Who Is Covered?

The FAA’s program applies to safety-sensitive employees—personnel whose duties directly impact aviation safety. Typical roles include:

• Pilots (Parts 121, 135, and 91 Subpart K)
• Flight attendants
• Aircraft dispatchers
• Aircraft maintenance personnel
• Flight instructors
• Air traffic control operators (non‑FAA and contract)
• Ground security coordinators and other designated safety roles

Contractors and subcontractors performing these functions for an FAA-regulated employer are also covered. Employers must register or obtain an Operations Specification (e.g., A449) or Letter of Authorization before beginning testing.
Source: FAA Drug & Alcohol Program

Testing Types & Requirements

FAA-mandated tests are designed to detect prohibited substances and alcohol misuse at key moments in the employment lifecycle:

1. Pre-Employment Testing

Required before an individual can begin performing any safety-sensitive duties.

2. Random Testing

Employees are selected for unannounced tests throughout the year using scientifically valid methods.

• Drug testing: ~25%
• Alcohol testing: ~10%

3. Post-Accident Testing

Required after certain serious accidents or incidents.

4. Reasonable Suspicion Testing

Conducted when trained supervisors observe behavior suggestive of impairment.

5. Return-to-Duty & Follow-Up

After a positive test or refusal, individuals must complete evaluation and rehabilitation.

Source: FAA Program Overview

Substances & Thresholds

FAA drug tests follow DOT-approved panels for substances such as:

• Marijuana (THC)
• Cocaine
• Amphetamines
• Opioids
• PCP (Phencyclidine)

Alcohol testing is performed via evidential breath testing devices. Using alcohol during safety-sensitive duties or having a blood alcohol concentration above 0.02% during duty is prohibited.
Source: US Drug Test Centers Guide

Employer Obligations

To stay compliant, organizations must:

• Develop and maintain a written drug and alcohol testing policy aligned with FAA/DOT requirements.
• Provide education and training to employees and supervisors.
• Implement the full suite of tests (pre-employment, random, post-accident, reasonable cause, return-to-duty, follow-up).
• Ensure proper recordkeeping, reporting, and annual MIS submissions to the FAA.
• Work with qualified service agents and coordinate SAP evaluations when needed.

Failing to comply can lead to enforcement action, fines, audits, certification risks, or grounding of operations.
Source: 14 CFR Part 120 (eCFR)

What This Means for VHR

With FAA Drug & Alcohol Program certification, VHR can confidently and legally supply safety sensitive aviation contractors across the United States. Our process includes day-one pre-employment drug testing, enrolment in random testing programs, and full compliance with FAA reporting and recordkeeping requirements.