Problematic Substance Use Testing

IFALPA fully supports an aviation industry free of substance abuse, particularly for those whose professional responsibilities are safety sensitive in nature. Quite often the workplace is one of the last places where substance abuse is noticed. Family members, friends and colleagues most often will have noticed the problem during leisure time before it becomes evident in the work environment. At this stage peer intervention programs are an effective means of intervention and prevention as opposed to the problematic substance-use testing programs in the workplace. Testing programs introduced as a reaction to political pressure create the false perception that such testing improves safety.