After the pilot was arrested from the cockpit onsuspicion that he was drunk. It has made me think how do NATs make sure they are not employing people who abuse alcohol and drugs.
I understand that there is drug screening prior to employment but this is in the form of a urine test which does not give an accurate account of previous drug use ( except maybe cannabis ).
Shouldn't they use blood tests?
I currently work as a drugs awareness officer, visiting schools and would like to know whether there are breathalizers outside control towers etc or do you think there should be.
A drug user, for example ecstacy. Would be detected in urine for a very short amount of time where as a blood test or hair sample would be able to pick up use up to 90 days in the past.
These tests are expensive but don't you think they should be used, considering the responsiblity that comes with ATC?
I'd like to know what people think on this.
