What are the drug rules for pilots?


What are the drug rules for pilots? Part 91 requires pilots to possess medical certificates and prohibits operating aircraft while under the effects of drugs or alcohol. More often than not, professional pilots fly for a certified operator, like an airline or charter company.


Can pilots have hemp?

Despite medical claims, pilots should avoid CBD products entirely. I last specifically addressed CBD (cannabidiol) in October 2019. It is time for a refresher, especially now that the FAA has issued official guidance on the use of CBD products.


Do pilots take drugs to stay awake?

Known colloquially as “go pills”, the use of amphetamines in cockpits has been controversial. While only offered in low doses (5mg) on flights ranging up to 30 hours, the United States Air Force has been looking at drugs like Modanifil, a treatment designed for narcoleptic patients, to keep aircrews alert.


Does smoking disqualify you from being a pilot?

While cigarette smoking is not prohibited by the FAA, it has several hazardous side effects and many health conditions caused by smoking are medically disqualifying. A smoker typically carries a carbon monoxide blood level of about five percent.


Do pilots get drug tested for marijuanas?

According to CFR Part 40.85, the standard urine samples are tested for marijuana metabolites, cocaine metabolites, amphetamines, opioids, and phencyclidine (PCP).


Can a pilot wear glasses?

The answer is YES – you can wear glasses and be an airline pilot! Perfect uncorrected vision is not a requirement to be a pilot or an air traffic controller. Glasses, contact lenses and refractive surgery are all (with certain limitations) acceptable ways to correct visual acuity problems.


What drugs are pilots tested for?

For pilots and flight attendants, a pre-employment drug screening is conducted after an individual is given a conditional job offer. The drug test is meant to identify the use of marijuana, cocaine, opiates, PCP, amphetamines, and opiates.


What drugs are not allowed for pilots?

Opiates, such as Morphine, Codeine, Lortab, Percodan, Oxycontin. Muscle relaxants, such as Soma, Sonata, Flexeril. Anicholinergics, such as Levsin, Bnetyl, Transderm Scop. Sedating antihistamines, such as Benadryl, Chlorpheniramine, Zyrtec.


What happens if a pilot fails a drug test?

The employer is required to immediately remove the pilot from safety sensitive duties, provide a list of Substance Abuse Professionals (SAP), and report the failed test to the FAA within 2 working days. Unfortunately, the employer can also terminate the pilot's job at this time.


Can pilots have beards?

In most large commercial airlines, pilots are allowed to have facial hair, as are the flight attendants. However, this facial hair does need to be kept tidy (neatly trimmed) or stylish (longer beard styles) and shouldn't make the aviation pilot look less professional.


Can you have CBD as a pilot?

For pilots, avoidance is recommended when it comes to any CBD products. It's helpful to become aware of other common CBD terminology like “full or broad spectrum” and read product labels carefully, including the ingredients.


How many pilots fail drug test?

How many pilots fail drug tests? The FAA has found that about 0.06 percent of pilots and air traffic controllers have a confirmed positive drug test, which works out to a cost of about $45,000 per positive result.


Can pilots have tattoos?

Commercial pilots will be allowed tattoos in some airlines as long as they are covered. This means if a pilot has a sleeve-type tattoo on their arm, they must wear a long sleeve shirt to cover it. Most major airlines do not allow tattoos that cannot be covered.


Can a pilot fly with a hangover?

Hangovers are dangerous Symptoms commonly associated with a hangover are headache, dizziness, dry mouth, stuffy nose, fatigue, upset stomach, irritability, impaired judgment, and increased sensitivity to bright light. A pilot with these symptoms would certainly not be fit to safely operate an aircraft.


Can pilots be on Viagra?

Pilots and air traffic controllers should not use Viagra within 8 hours of performing their (aviation) duties. Levitra, approved by the FDA in August 2003, has a similar profile to Viagra. The FAA initially allowed the use of Levitra in pilots/controllers.