FAA renews paperwork for aviation drug and alcohol tests
Published Date: 10/2/2026
Notice
Summary
The FAA is asking for public feedback as it seeks to renew its drug and alcohol testing program for aviation workers, including foreign repair stations. This program helps keep the skies safe by making sure employers follow testing rules and report important info. Comments are due by November 2, 2026, and the renewal won’t add new costs but keeps safety checks on track.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 5 costs, 0 mixed.
Estimated time burden for respondents
The FAA estimates about 7,159 affected entities submit responses on occasion, with an average burden of 1 hour per response (rounded from 0.957 hours) and a total annual burden of 325,181 hours. The FAA also estimates at least 80% of responses are submitted electronically.
FAA renews testing data collection
The FAA is seeking OMB renewal of its Drug and Alcohol Testing Program information collection (OMB Control Number 2120-0535). The collection remains required for regulated aviation employers and contractors (including certificated foreign repair stations) and is open for comments until November 2, 2026.
Specific records domestic entities must keep
Domestically regulated entities must provide or maintain up to 15 categories of information, including supervisory and employee training documentation, reasonable-cause and post-accident documentation, random testing process details, medical review officer recordkeeping, and reporting of refusals or positive tests. These recordkeeping and reporting categories are part of the renewed information collection.
Foreign repair stations must provide specific info
Certificated foreign repair stations covered by the FAA rule must provide five categories of information, including issuance of the Drug and Alcohol Testing Paragraph/A449, parent corporation information when combining programs, program development and maintenance information, training records, and testing records. These foreign-station reporting requirements are part of the renewed collection.
Data supports action on positive or refused tests
The FAA uses the collected information to ensure appropriate action is taken regarding flight crewmembers and other safety-sensitive employees who test positive for drugs, engage in prohibited alcohol-related conduct, or refuse testing. The information collection supports oversight and follow-up for those employees.
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