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FAA mandates drug tests at foreign repair stations for US airlines

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FAA mandates drug tests at foreign repair stations for US airlines
Policy
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Airbus A380 | Airbus

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has announced the finalization of rules mandating drug and alcohol testing for employees at foreign aircraft repair stations working on US airlines. The regulation is expected to impact over 970 repair stations in 66 countries, with compliance required by December 2027. However, waivers may be granted based on existing testing standards.

"This is an important step in our safety mission because few countries require testing of aviation maintenance personnel," stated FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker. "This rule will ensure these employees are held to the equivalent high level of safety standards, regardless of where they are physically located."

The initiative has received support from trade unions that have long advocated for such measures. John Samuelsen, President of the Transport Workers Union of America, commented when the proposal was introduced in December 2023: "Airline mechanics in China and other lower-wage, lower-standard countries who work on US commercial aircraft will have to undergo drug and alcohol testing - just like mechanics here."

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The number of foreign repair stations has increased significantly, with notable concentrations in China (78), Singapore (54), Brazil (22), Thailand (6), Costa Rica (3), and El Salvador (2). Some concerns were raised about potential conflicts with privacy and employment laws in various jurisdictions including the UK, Ireland, Germany, China, Singapore, Peru, Japan, and Chile. Nevertheless, certain countries already enforce strict substance control measures.

In the US, drug and alcohol testing for safety-critical workers is mandated by federal law under the Omnibus Transportation Employees Testing Act of 1991. The Drug Abatement Division oversees compliance through inspections and guidance. This level of regulation is not universal; reports from the Transport Workers Union cite safety issues at some overseas repair stations.

Since 2017, over 5,000 mechanic jobs have been eliminated within the US airline industry while more than 35,000 similar positions have emerged abroad. The FAA previously noted that domestic repair stations face economic disadvantages due to lack of mandatory testing requirements at international facilities.

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