Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to your FAA questions.
We realize that you may select more employees than necessary to prevent under-testing in the event that someone is excused. However, this practice may lead to a liberal excusal policy, which is not appropriate. Instead of using alternates, the best practice would be to recalculate the number of selections needed following each testing period to ensure that the minimum annual rate is met.
It is important for you to have a consistent policy in place that addresses this issue to ensure that each individual is treated fairly.
For more information regarding best practices for random testing, please visit the Department of Transportation's (DOT's) Web site for a copy of the DOT publication "Best Practices for DOT Random Drug and Alcohol Testing".
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.
Please visit our website to learn more about our program.
Applicable regulations:
You need a medical certificate before flying solo in an airplane, helicopter, gyroplane, or airship. We suggest you get your medical certificate before beginning flight training. This will alert you to any condition that would prevent you from becoming a pilot before you pay for lessons.
If you are going to pilot a balloon or glider, you don't need a medical certificate. All you need to do is write a statement certifying that you have no medical defect that would make you unable to pilot a balloon or glider.
The remote pilot in command of the small UAS or drone is required to report an accident to the FAA within 10 days if it results in at least serious injury to any person or any loss of consciousness, or if it causes damage to any property (other than the UAS or drone) in excess of $500 to repair or replace the property (whichever is lower).
Still can't find what you are looking for? Please feel free to contact the UAS Support Center for general questions and comments.
The Medical Review Officer (MRO) is required to report medical information they have learned as part of the verification process if, in their reasonable medical judgment, they determine that this information indicates that continued performance of safety-sensitive duties by an employee is likely to pose a significant safety risk. Although it is up to each employer to decide what action, if any, to take based on the information provided by an MRO, the MRO may advise the employer to have the employee evaluated by a physician or occupational medicine physician. If the employee is medically certificated by the FAA, the MRO should report the safety concern to the Federal Air Surgeon.
Employees who have concerns regarding how the use of any medication may affect their performance of safety-sensitive duties and/or their future Department of Transportation drug test results should consult their physicians, an occupational medical physician, or their employer's MRO.
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.
Please visit our website to learn more about the program.
Applicable Regulation:
All student pilots must obtain at least a third class airman medical certificate from an FAA Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) before the first solo flight, except for gliders and balloons, which do not require a medical certificate.
Third-class, although any class will suffice. Medical certificates are designated as first-class, second-class, or third-class. Generally, first-class is designed for the airline transport pilot; second-class for the commercial pilot; and third-class for the student, recreational and private pilot.
No. Part 107 Operators are responsible for checking to ensure the proposed operation occurs outside all 14 CFR 99.7 TFRs and Special Use Airspace. The UASFMs and 99.7 restrictions are all available on the same website. All other TFRs are posted to the FAA's Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) website.
Still can't find what you are looking for? Please feel free to contact the UAS Support Center for general questions and comments.
Computer testing centers are located in most major metropolitan areas. For a current listing of those in your area, contact your local FSDO. The exams are given at your convenience.
You can download Form 8310-3, Application for Repair Station Certificate and/or Rating on our website.
For additional information please email our Civil Aviation Registry.
You can download Form 8400-3, Airman Certificate and/or Rating Application for flight engineers, flight navigators, aircraft dispatchers, and control tower operators.
For additional information, please email our Civil Aviation Registry.
You can download Form 8610-1, Mechanic's Application for Inspection Authorization, on our website.
For additional information please email our Civil Aviation Registry.
You can download Form 8610-2, Airman Certificate and/or Rating Application for mechanics, repairman and parachute riggers on our website.
For additional information please email our Civil Aviation Registry.
You can download Form 8610-2, Airman Certificate and/or Rating Application for mechanics, repairman and parachute riggers on our website.
For additional information please email our Civil Aviation Registry.
You can search our database or get a list of repair stations.
You can search our database or get a list of repair stations.
You can find aeronautical information on our Airport Data & Contact Information website.
You can find airworthiness directives on our website.
You can find contact information for owners and managers of airports on our website.
You can find copies of airport financial reports on our Compliance Activity Tracking System website.
You can find FAA proposed regulations (NPRM) currently available for comment in the Federal Docket Management System by entering a keyword, phrase, identification number, or other item.