In a Notice published today, the FAA stated “that the minimum random drug and alcohol testing percentage rates for the period January 1, 2011, through December 31, 2011, will remain at 25 percent of safety-sensitive employees for random drug testing and 10 percent of safety-sensitive employees for random alcohol testing.” Since the reported random drug test positive rate for 2009 was less than 1.00% (it was actually 0.534%) and the minimum random alcohol test rate for 2009 was less than 0.50% (it was actually 0.088%) the FAA may continue the current rates for calendar year 2010. Interestingly, both of these actual rates are lower than the reported rates for 2008.
For further information regarding the annual random testing percentage rates you should review FAR Part 120.109(b) (for drug testing), and FAR Part 120.217(c) (for alcohol testing) or you may contact Mr. Kevin Kearns, Office of Aerospace Medicine, Drug Abatement Division, Program Analysis Branch (AAM-810), Federal Aviation Administration, 800 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20591; telephone (202) 267-8442.
