FAA extends AOPA alcohol/drug testing exemption

The FAA has granted an extension to AOPA's alcohol and drug testing exemption for certain charity flights. The exemption allows AOPA members to conduct local sightseeing flights to help airport groups and local charities raise money without the pilot having to institute a drug and alcohol testing program. (Since pilots collect a nominal fee for these charity fund-raising flights, the FAA has determined that pilots have to comply with the Part 135 charter operations drug testing regulations, unless the pilot has applied for the exemption.) The exemption was originally granted in June 2000 and has been extended until June 2004. "Although we're pleased that the FAA granted our request for an extension, we need a permanent regulatory solution," said Lance Nuckolls, AOPA director of regulatory and certification policy. See AOPA's regulatory brief for more information and instructions on how to use the charity flight drug testing exemption.

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