The FAA today published an Amendment to its Final Rule regarding Antidrug and Alcohol Misuse Prevention Programs for Personnel engaged in certain activities. The FAA is delaying the compliance date for the Final Rule until October 10, 2006. The Final Rule published previously clarified the FAA’s position that contractors, including subcontractors at any tier, must be subject to drug and alcohol testing.
According to the FAA, “[t]his action is necessary because it has come to our attention that some original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and other entities may be confused regarding whether they are performing maintenance or preventive maintenance duties subject to drug and alcohol testing, or manufacturing duties not subject to testing.” Although the effective date of April 10, 2006, will remain the same, the FAA extended the compliance date in order to give OEMs and others sufficient time to determine what work is and is not subject to drug and alcohol testing. The FAA also noted that it will be providing more substantive guidance on a range of subjects affected by the Final Rule including cleaning of aircraft, entertainment system components, deicing, and decorative plating.
If you would like further information regarding the Final Rule, you may contact Diane J. Wood, Manager, Drug Abatement Division, AAM-800, Office of Aerospace Medicine, Federal Aviation Administration, 800 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20591; telephone (202) 267-8442.
