Drug Testing for Pilots

[flylikepaper]

Well I know this can be a sensitive subject for all of you non-ganja smokers, which most pilots are, but I really need some advice on this and don't know where to go or who to ask.

Smoking is as much of a passion of mine as piloting, and basically I came to conclusion that I'm going to have to choose one over the other. Unless of course I could somehow do both, which is why I need some info from you guys.

For all you commercial pilots, including flight instructors, how often are you drug tested? I assume it's random, but somewhat consistent. Do they give a couple days notice or is it just bam cup in your face get ready to take a whiz? If you're given a few days notice I could probably scheme my way out of it every time.

I know it seems stupid to risk throwing away my career for something seemingly insignificant, but I also have the feeling it could be legalized in the next 8 years. I'm sorry I love the way it smells, looks, and tastes, I have a hard time picturing my life without it at least every once and a while. I may be mentally addicted, but it's an addiction I'm wanting to take to the grave with me.

Thanks, any info would help

 

[BoeingBoy]

Other than pre-hire screening, it is supposed to be random and "just bam cup in your face". Obviously random can result in different odds of being randomly checked depending on how many pilots work for the same employer - 2 flight instructors have different odds than someone with 5,000 pilot coworkers.

Also, even if "smoking" is legalized somewhere down the road it doesn't mean that the FAA won't consider it illegal for pilots to use - there's a whole laundry list of perfectly legal drugs that are prohibited for pilots. Some are merely restricted to usage while not flying, some have to be taken for some length of time (months) to judge side-effects before being allow to fly while taking them, and others mean the loss of your medical while using them.

Maybe it's my age - my formative years were in a time that drugs were what the doctor prescribed and you purchased at the corner drug store. But the FAA rules are pretty stringent - test positive and you're out of a job. So before you spend all the time and money pursuing a career in commercial aviation, it'd probably be best to decide if the desire for illicit drugs outweighs your desire to be a commercial pilot. I'm sure that there are pilots out there playing the odds, just as with alcohol. But only you can decide if it's worth playing the odds with your livelihood.

Jim

 

[flylikepaper]

That's what I was expecting, but I've realized I'll need to quit if I ever want to settle down with a wife, kids, etc. Flying gives me a natural high anywho Thanks for the input