FAA Seeks Comments on Renewing Aviation Drug Testing Paperwork
Published Date: 4/24/2026
Notice
Summary
The FAA is asking for your thoughts on renewing its drug and alcohol testing info collection for aviation workers, including foreign repair stations. This helps keep the skies safe by making sure employers follow the rules. Comments are due by June 23, 2026, and the process won’t cost businesses extra money but keeps important safety checks in place.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 1 mixed.
Renewal Keeps Testing Paperwork
If you run a regulated aviation employer or contractor, the FAA plans to renew its information collection for the Drug and Alcohol Testing Program that applies to about 7,159 entities annually. The agency estimates an average burden of 1 hour per response and a total annual burden of 325,188 hours for all respondents.
Data Supports Employee Enforcement
The collected information is used to ensure appropriate action is taken regarding flight crewmembers and other safety-sensitive employees who tested positive for drugs, engaged in prohibited alcohol-related conduct, or refused testing. That means employee test results and related records will be used for oversight and enforcement decisions.
Foreign Repair Stations Included
Certificated foreign repair stations that are subject to the FAA final rule on drug and alcohol testing are included in this information collection and must provide specified program information. The renewal explicitly covers foreign repair stations as part of regulated entities.
Most Responses Are Electronic
The FAA estimates that at least 80% of responses to this information collection are submitted electronically, while remaining recordkeeping may be kept in any form chosen by the respondent. This affects how you submit program data and keep records.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-08943 — Designation-Restrict the Operation of Unmanned Aircraft in Close Proximity to a Fixed Site Facility
The FAA wants to limit drone flights near important fixed sites like power plants or airports to keep people and property safe. Facility owners can ask for special drone flight restrictions, but they must prove it’s needed for safety or security. Comments on this plan are open until July 6, 2026, and these new rules could change how drone operators fly near sensitive places.
2026-09773 — Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters
The FAA wants to make sure certain Airbus Helicopters have their engine parts installed correctly to keep flying safe. If you own or operate models like AS350 or EC130, you’ll need to check the main gearbox engine coupling soon and fix any problems found. Comments on this plan are open until June 29, 2026, and while inspections might cost some time and money, they’re key to avoiding bigger issues.
2026-09801 — Airworthiness Directives; Stemme GmbH Gliders
If you own a Stemme S 12 glider, heads up! The FAA wants you to regularly check your fuel system for leaks caused by certain copper rings and replace any faulty ones. This keeps your glider safe and stops risky fuel leaks, with comments on the plan due by June 29, 2026.
2026-09802 — Establishment of Class E Airspace; Winnie, TX
Starting October 29, 2026, the FAA is creating new Class E airspace around Griffith Ranch Airport in Winnie, TX. This change helps pilots fly safely using instruments, especially in bad weather. Local pilots and air traffic controllers will notice smoother, safer flights with no extra costs or delays.
2026-09771 — Airworthiness Directives; Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. Airplanes
Pilatus PC-12 airplane owners and operators, heads up! The FAA is updating safety rules to fix a problem that could affect certain planes, meaning some extra checks or fixes might be needed. Comments on these changes are open until June 29, 2026, so now’s the time to speak up before any costs or work kicks in.
2026-09772 — Airworthiness Directives; Diamond Aircraft Industries Inc. Airplanes
If you own a Diamond DA20-C1 airplane, the FAA wants you to check the emergency locator transmitter (ELT) because a missing wire might stop it from working in an emergency. They’re asking for a quick inspection and fixes if needed to keep you safe. Comments on this plan are open until June 29, 2026, and the fix should be pretty straightforward without breaking the bank.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-07982 — L. Neill Cartage Co., Inc.-Continuance in Control Exemption-Proviso Railroad, Inc. and Mason Railroad, Inc.
L. Neill Cartage Co., Inc. is keeping control of two small railroads, Proviso Railroad and Mason Railroad, as they become official Class III rail carriers. These railroads will take over short tracks in Illinois, and the deal can start as soon as May 9, 2026. No big money changes or employee protections are involved since these are small rail lines, making the process quick and simple.
Next: 2026-07984 — Belpre Industrial Parkersburg Railroad, LLC-Amendment to Lease and Operation Exemption-CSX Transportation, Inc.
Belpre Industrial Parkersburg Railroad (BIP) is updating its lease and operation deal with CSX Transportation for about 47 miles of rail lines in Ohio and West Virginia. BIP has been running these tracks since 2020 and will keep doing so under the new terms, with no big changes to money or service levels. This update just tweaks the lease details and kicks in once approved.