Drug tests for Pilots
False Reading
Join Date: Feb 1999
Location: Perth Australia
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Well Boys and girls welcome to the modern world . Mining camps have been doing it for years, with a dismissal policy if found positive. I cant see the problem if you dont take drugs and drink within the law and using a bit of CDF there will be no problem.
Well if pilots are forced to do it before every flight, then I think that all sheepdogs should also be tested every morning of every day just in case they need to bark at someone during the day.
Bottums Up
Sheepdog
Rather than just towing the line, have another read of Stallie's post on the previous page. Then ask yourself how you would feel if the victim of a false positive, where you would be presumed guilty and then have to prove yourself innocent.
If you are saying to yourself "that I wouldn't have to worry because I know I don't take illicit drugs", you're not being objective enough.
I don't take drugs, aside from caffeine, medicinal
alcohol or those prescribed from time to time by my medico/DAME. I have no problem with the concept of random testing, as long as it doesn't add another half hour to duty time, or require me to remove part of my uniform.
However, I am seriously concerned about the issue of false positives and the potential to harm a pilot's lively-hood.
"Dear Capt/FO Bloggs,
This morning you tested positive for cannabis. Your services are no longer required by this airline.
We wish you well with your future endeavours."
Rather than just towing the line, have another read of Stallie's post on the previous page. Then ask yourself how you would feel if the victim of a false positive, where you would be presumed guilty and then have to prove yourself innocent.
If you are saying to yourself "that I wouldn't have to worry because I know I don't take illicit drugs", you're not being objective enough.
I don't take drugs, aside from caffeine, medicinal
alcohol or those prescribed from time to time by my medico/DAME. I have no problem with the concept of random testing, as long as it doesn't add another half hour to duty time, or require me to remove part of my uniform.However, I am seriously concerned about the issue of false positives and the potential to harm a pilot's lively-hood.
"Dear Capt/FO Bloggs,
This morning you tested positive for cannabis. Your services are no longer required by this airline.
We wish you well with your future endeavours."
Last edited by Capt Claret; 2nd Oct 2005 at 10:01.
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Next door
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In the nascent world of aviation outside of Oz, alcohol testing is random, mandatory and even at certain times selective. 12hr rule with % values applied. No second chances and no excuses. You have a problem with that? 
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: CRM re-hab
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EP,
Alcohol breath testing (followed by a blood sample) has historical weight as a reliable test. I don't think that anyone is refuting the practice - only the probable implemetation impacting on our duties... and the unproven performance of other drug testings....
Alcohol breath testing (followed by a blood sample) has historical weight as a reliable test. I don't think that anyone is refuting the practice - only the probable implemetation impacting on our duties... and the unproven performance of other drug testings....
Minesite testing
Like Comp Stall I have had a few experiences wiht mine-site testing. There is a strong presumption of innocence for these tests, to the point that one guy I know pops a Panadeine Forte when he is tipped off he will be drug tested (at random, of course).
He gets 3 days off on full pay while the sample goes to the lab and is proven to be Panadeine Forte, not the Heroin he showed up positive for.
There are many things that will set off a workplace drug test that are harmless. There are also anti-discrimination laws in this country that might (no I haven't checked) make it an offence to sack an employee for an illness such as a drug addiction.
I know Anglo Coal have a three-tier addiction counselling program following a real positive and I would expect that most airlines in Aus would follow that lead as "best practice".
He gets 3 days off on full pay while the sample goes to the lab and is proven to be Panadeine Forte, not the Heroin he showed up positive for.
There are many things that will set off a workplace drug test that are harmless. There are also anti-discrimination laws in this country that might (no I haven't checked) make it an offence to sack an employee for an illness such as a drug addiction.
I know Anglo Coal have a three-tier addiction counselling program following a real positive and I would expect that most airlines in Aus would follow that lead as "best practice".
