The Australian government is introducing mandatory drug and alcohol testing for safety-sensitive personnel in the aviation industry. The programme will affect pilots, flightcrew, cabin crew, ground refuellers, baggage handlers, security screeners, air traffic controllers and other personnel with airside access. Testing will include screening applicants prior to employment in safety-sensitive roles and on-the-job testing. Civil aviation regulations will be developed, with the Civil Aviation Safety Authority to manage a reporting scheme. The move was prompted by a September 2002 fatal crash in which the pilot was found to have used drugs and alcohol before the flight.
Source: Flight International
