USA Banner

Official US Government Icon

Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure Site Icon

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock ( ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Site Notification

Site Notification

United States Department of Transportation United States Department of Transportation

How to Start a Drug and Alcohol Testing Program

 
If you are … You must …
A part 119 certificate holder with authority to operate under parts 121 or 135 Obtain an Antidrug and Alcohol Misuse Prevention Program Operations Specification (A449) by contacting your FAA Principal Operations Inspector.

To learn how to get your new FAA-mandated testing program started, review the program implementation information (PDF) for a part 119 certificate holder.

An operator as defined in 14 CFR part 91, § 91.147 Obtain a Letter of Authorization (LOA) by contacting your local Flight Standards District Office nearest to your principal place of business.

To learn how to get your new FAA-mandated testing program started, review the program implementation information (PDF) for an operator as defined in 14 CFR part 91, § 91.147.

A part 119 certificate holder with authority to operate under parts 121 or 135 and an operator as defined in 14 CFR part 91, § 91.147 Complete both requirements described above in this chart and advise the Flight Standards District Office and the Drug Abatement Division that
the § 91.147 operation will be included under the part 119 testing program.

To learn how to get your new FAA-mandated testing program started, review the program implementation information (PDF) for a part 119 certificate holder. For more information, view our Frequently Asked Question on this topic.

An air traffic control facility not operated by the FAA or by or under contract to the U.S. Military Register (PDF) with FAA's Drug Abatement Division.

To learn how to get your new FAA-mandated testing program started, review the program implementation information (PDF) for an air traffic control tower facility.

A part 145 certificate holder who has opted to conduct its own drug and alcohol testing program Obtain an Antidrug and Alcohol Misuse Prevention Program Operations Specification (A449) by contacting your Principal Maintenance Inspector or register (PDF) with FAA's Drug Abatement Division.

To learn how to get your new FAA-mandated testing program started, review the program implementation information (PDF) for a part 145 certificate holder.

A contractor who has opted to conduct its own drug and alcohol testing program Register (PDF) with FAA's Drug Abatement Division.

To learn how to get your new FAA-mandated testing program started, review the program implementation information (PDF) for a contractor.

Last updated: Friday, May 12, 2023