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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."
