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FAA Announces 2026 Drug and Alcohol Testing Rates for Aviation Industry

Written by azcdt on . Posted in Drug Testing.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has confirmed that the minimum random drug and alcohol testing rates for safety-sensitive aviation employees will remain unchanged for calendar year 2026.
Published in the Federal Register on December 5, 2025 (Docket No. FAA-2013-0259), the announcement establishes the following rates effective January 1, 2026 through December 31, 2026:
Random Drug Testing: 25%
Random Alcohol Testing: 10%

The Data Behind the Decision

The FAA Administrator’s decision on annual testing rates is driven by industry-wide testing data, as outlined in 14 CFR Part 120.

For drug testing, 14 CFR 120.109(b) establishes that the Administrator bases rate decisions on the reported random drug test positive rate across the entire aviation industry. If that rate remains below 1.00%, the Administrator may continue the minimum random drug testing rate at 25%.
According to the FAA notice, the 2024 random drug test positive rate was 0.816%, well below the threshold that would trigger an increase.

Similarly, 14 CFR 120.217(c) governs alcohol testing rates. The decision hinges on the random alcohol test violation rate. If that rate stays below 0.50%, the Administrator may continue the minimum random alcohol testing rate at 10%.

The 2024 random alcohol test violation rate came in at 0.131%, significantly below the threshold.
These favorable industry numbers allow aviation employers to maintain their current testing protocols without rate increases for 2026.

Who Must Comply

The 25% drug and 10% alcohol random testing rates apply to all employers and employees regulated under 14 CFR Part 120. This encompasses: 

  • Part 121 air carriers conducting scheduled passenger and cargo operations 
  • Part 135 air taxi and commuter operators 
  • Part 145 repair stations 
  • Other entities with employees performing safety-sensitive aviation functions 

Safety-sensitive positions include flight crewmembers, flight attendants, flight instructors, aircraft dispatchers, aircraft maintenance and preventive maintenance personnel, ground security coordinators, aviation screeners, and air traffic controllers. 

If your organization falls under FAA jurisdiction, your drug and alcohol testing program must achieve these minimum random testing rates across the calendar year. 

FAA Random Testing Rates for 2026 Drug and Alcohol Testing Random Rates for Aviation Industry Announced

Maintaining Compliance in 2026 

Meeting the 25% drug and 10% alcohol thresholds requires systematic random selection processes that are scientifically valid, properly documented, and spread throughout the year. Every covered employee must have an equal chance of selection during each testing period. 

Aviation employers must also ensure their programs address all required testing categories beyond randoms: 

  • Pre-employment drug testing 
  • Post-accident testing when FAA criteria are met 
  • Reasonable suspicion testing when trained supervisors observe signs of impairment 
  • Return-to-duty testing following violations 
  • Follow-up testing as directed by a Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) 

Documentation is critical. Your records must demonstrate that selections were random, notifications were provided, tests were completed within required timeframes, and results were properly reviewed by a qualified Medical Review Officer (MRO). 

For organizations managing contractors or multiple entities under their drug and alcohol program, ensuring all covered employees are included in appropriate testing pools adds another layer of complexity. 

The Role of Supervisor Training 

FAA regulations require that supervisors who may need to make reasonable suspicion determinations receive proper drug and alcohol recognition training. This training must cover the physical, behavioral, and performance indicators of probable drug use and alcohol misuse.

If your supervisors have not completed this training, or if certifications have lapsed, addressing this gap should be a priority before the new year begins. AZC Drug Testing offers both online and classroom-based supervisor training programs that meet DOT requirements.

How azcdt.com Supports FAA Compliance

FAA Random Testing Rates for 2026 Drug and Alcohol Testing Random Rates for Aviation Industry Announced
AZC Drug Testing provides turnkey FAA Part 120 compliance services for air carriers, repair stations, and aviation service providers nationwide.
Our comprehensive program includes:
  • Immediate enrollment and membership certificates
  • All random drug and alcohol testing included in your annual fee
  • Quarterly random selections managed and documented
  • Contractor oversight support for organizations managing multiple entities
  • MIS guidance and annual statistical reporting
  • Laboratory and Medical Review Officer services
  • Access to over 10,000 collection sites across the country
  • Complete audit support and documentation packages

We also serve employers regulated by other DOT modes, including FMCSA, FRA, FTA, PHMSA, and USCG. If your organization operates across multiple modes, we can manage distinct pools and rate requirements under a single compliance partnership.

    Learn More on Our Podcast

    FAA Random Testing Rates for 2026 Drug and Alcohol Testing Random Rates for Aviation Industry Announced
    Curious about how random testing programs actually work? Tune in to Talking the Wiz Quiz: An HR Guide to Drug Testing, hosted by Gary and Lori Oschmann of AZC Drug Testing.
    Episode 2: Understanding Random Drug Testing + Consortiums explains the mechanics of random selection pools, the role of Consortium/Third-Party Administrators (C/TPAs), and how employers can simplify compliance while staying audit-ready.
    Whether you are new to DOT compliance or a seasoned HR professional, this podcast delivers practical insights in plain English.

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    For answers to common questions about DOT testing programs, visit our Drug and Alcohol Testing FAQs.
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