Drug Testing Rule Guidance in the Works

The FAA recently hosted representatives from key industry organizations, including the Aeronautical Repair Station Association (ARSA), to discuss aspects of new drug and alcohol testing rules pertaining to maintenance contractors and subcontractors for Part 121 and 135 operators (FAR 135.251 and 135.253). According to ARSA, the agency said that guidance for the rule–with a delayed effective date of October 10–would be released in “the coming weeks.” FAA officials said the guidance will focus on the definitions of maintenance and preventive maintenance in the FARs and on case-by-case determinations to advise whether the rules apply to specific employees or subcontractors. The guidance will offer specific examples intended to help industry determine whether a certain person is performing maintenance or preventive maintenance and, therefore, must be tested.