FAA Mandates Drug and Alcohol Testing for Foreign Repair Stations

The rule will affect nearly 1,000 FAA-certified repair stations in 65 countries. Employees in safety-critical roles, such as maintenance and inspections, must now undergo testing comparable to standards already enforced at domestic facilities. Stations in countries with equivalent testing requirements may apply for waivers, streamlining the process for compliance.

This mandate addresses long-standing concerns about discrepancies between domestic and international maintenance standards. Safety advocates and unions have highlighted the risks posed by the lack of uniform testing, arguing that these gaps could compromise safety. The FAA’s move is intended to close these loopholes and enhance trust in outsourced maintenance operations.

However, the regulation has drawn criticism for potential conflicts with privacy laws and labor regulations in some countries. Industry stakeholders have also raised concerns about the logistical challenges of implementing such programs globally. To ease the transition, the FAA has set a compliance deadline for December 2027.

This rule reinforces the FAA’s dedication to aviation safety, ensuring that maintenance workers worldwide adhere to consistent standards. As the industry adjusts to this change, the regulation is expected to reduce risks and further secure the integrity of global aviation maintenance operations.