Are pilot's drug tested by urine or by their hair?

Question

haha, i don't fly but am interested in getting my commercial, i know they want your system to be clear of any substances for 2 years. i was just wondering what type of drug test they administer during your 1st or 2nd class medical exam.

Answer 1

All airline pilots get a urine test for their medicals, but the examiners check for things like glucose and protein rather than drugs.  Airlines may also test urine for drugs, and some airlines are now testing hair to look for a history of drug use.  Urine provides a much more comprehensive and accurate indication of drug use, but hair provides a historical record of drug use that can go back for as long as the hair has been growing (each millimetre of hair growth represents about two days).

Answer 2

Urine. Pre-employment and randomly thereafter. (Just had a random one about a month ago.) No drug screening during routine (any class) flight physicals---just a standard urine specimen/test, as John B mentioned. And an EKG once a year for Class I if your hair's got a little gray in it (age 40+), speaking of hair. Just had one of those, too.

Incidentally, LAPD uses hair-based drug screening for new recruits.

Answer 3

The FAA flight physical does not include a drug test. The company that you're working for will be required to drug test you through a urine test. That's all covered in the Part 121 or 135 rules, depending under which one that you'll be flying under. They're about the same anyway. Get a copy of the regs and they'll steer you to the specifics.

Answer 4

Usually done by Urine but you can check this site for any further details:

http://www.davekopel.com/CJ/IP/DrugTesti...

I will be completing my FAA Private Pilot license, in a few weeks.

Answer 5

Pilots are not tested for drugs during any FAA medical exam. Hair is not tested and urine is tested for the presence of protein and sugar.

Answer 6

not sure

..just curious, what airline do you work for? I want to avoid flying with them anytime soon

Answer 7

If you have to worry about it then perhaps flying is not a real good choice for your career!