Do non-certified helpers who perform some maintenance duties as part of a process under direct supervision need to be covered under a drug and alcohol testing program even though they will not sign off the work?

Yes. All employees who conduct maintenance or preventive maintenance are required to be covered by an Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) drug and alcohol testing program regardless of whether they sign off the work or not.

Employers who need more information about the definition of maintenance or preventive maintenance should review the FAA Flight Standards Service's Guidance Alert on Maintenance or consult directly with their FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector or local Flight Standards District Office. The Flight Standards Service is the expert in clarifying maintenance or preventive maintenance duties. Please visit the FAA's website to find the Flight Standards District Office closest to you.

If you have any further questions or need additional guidance that is more specific to your situation, please contact the FAA Drug Abatement Division at (202) 267-8442 or drugabatement@faa.gov.

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Applicable Regulations:
14 CFR part 43
14 CFR § 120.105