Drugs and alcohol

Aviation organizations should establish policies to handle drug and alcohol use among employees, as impairment can jeopardize safety. Although testing isn't mandatory, it's advisable to implement it to identify potential impairment, especially in critical roles. Good practices include addressing long-term issues through structured workplace policies and guidelines.

Key points

• Organizations need a plan for addressing substance use to maintain safety.
• Testing for drugs and alcohol is recommended but not compulsory, except for adventure aviation.
• Policies should be in place to manage repeated substance-related issues effectively.

*Plain-English summary of Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand guidance — always consult the official source (linked above) for current, authoritative requirements.*