I have been taking flying lessons for the past couple of weeks and am about to get my physical. This is required to fly solo, and I was wondering if I have to pass a drug test at my physical. I don't really do drugs, but I smoke a little doober about once every two weeks or so. Will I pass this drug test and should I be worried?
2007-02-28 12:46:58 · 12 answers · asked by alex d 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Aircraft
During your physical exam you will need to give a urine sample which the doctor will test for diabetes. That's about it. There's no drug test per se that happens.
That said, I'd suggest VERY strongly that you do NOT smoke "a little doober" because if you are less than 100% able to fly and the FAA finds out, you will lose your license.
Remember the IM SAFE rule for flying? Follow it... it's good!
2007-02-28 13:36:50 · answer #1 · answered by barrych209 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Don't worry about the test, it's not for drugs. There are sooooo many pilots(non commercial and a few of those too) that smoke a doober here or there. What would you rather have,A pilot that smoked a doober the prev. night or one that had a bunch of drinks and a hangover the next day?
2007-03-01 16:22:32 · answer #2 · answered by kkrb 2 · 4⤊ 0⤋
There is no drug test in any FAA medical exam, though employers of commercial pilots frequently require drug tests of their pilots. There is a question on the medical questionnaire about illicit drug use which, if answered truthfully, would cause you trouble... though not nearly as much trouble as if your caught NOT answering it truthfully! Objectively, marijuana is far less dangerous and impairing than alcohol. Legally, of course, it's a different story. Neither have any place in the cockpit. However, I'd rather fly with an occasional marijuana smoker who last smoked a week ago than a pilot who downed his last drink a legal 8 hours ago. I will say that marijuana use probably doesn't go with being a commercial pilot... but because of the different types of personalities attracted to either pastime, not because of any judgment or impairment issues.
2016-03-13 21:42:59 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Serious pilots don't even smoke cigarettes let alone "a little doober". You will be required to give a urine sample during your medical exam. Once you surrender a urine sample I would expect that it can be tested for anything they want to test for.
My recommendation is that you make a choice at this juncture.
Which do you want the most. A pilots licence, or the occasional "doober".
You know, after any fatal aviation accident they ALWAYS test the dead pilots system for toxicology, to see if he was under the influence of anything.
If those are the circumstances that you get YOUR 1st aviation related drug test, do you think that you will have gotten away with anything?
2007-02-28 15:34:33 · answer #4 · answered by No More 7 · 0⤊ 5⤋
Alex,
Your third class medical exam will not drug test you.
(In my opinion they should)
If you are serious, and not trolling to get a rise out of folks,
Please, Please, stay the hell out of my sky!! Doing drugs, even just an occasional "doobie" reflects poor judgment. Being PIC of an airplane DEMANDS good judgment and all of your mental faculties
Make a choice. You may think its okay, but think of the ramifications if (god forbid) you have an off airport landing, a passenger is injured, the plane is damaged. The FAA/NTSB WILL require a tox screen. You just committed a FELONY by
indicating no drug use and signing the medical form (it is considered a affidavit) and now they can prove it Your Insurance is not gonna cover you , and you stand to be sued all because of an occasional doob.(even if at the time of the incident you were not "under the influence)" Say good bye to your Pilots certificate as well. Get caught by the cops , using or possession, kiss your pilots certificate bye bye.
I also invite you to research Aviation Physiology (required for the knowledge exam) on what effects it has on you at altitude.
Ms. Regan said it best....just say no!!!!!!
Do the right thing, quit messing with the stuff.
IF you make this choice, I wish you well with your training!
2007-03-01 16:45:12 · answer #5 · answered by cherokeeflyer 6 · 0⤊ 4⤋
The urinalysis during the physical involves a check of blood sugar, not drugs. You're safe, for now.
Once you get to a commercial level, as part of the pre-hire, you will be drug screened, and then will be on a random list. You will do the pre-hire test every time you change companies. You will also be checked if you have an accident.
2007-03-01 07:15:38 · answer #6 · answered by lowflyer1 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Quit the smoking, even a little. Regardless of the physical, you should not do any type of drugs, legal or otherwise, if you intend to fly an airplane. Even alcohol is not recommended, even though the regs say you can partake. Decide what you want, to be a pilot, or a dopehead. Your choice. but, stay out of the cockpit if you've done drugs...
2007-02-28 14:01:03 · answer #7 · answered by Leopold 2 · 0⤊ 3⤋
I am worried as are other pilots on here,
There is enough mistakes made in the air with plenty of clear headed pilots.
Make the decision, either become a pilot, or keep ruining your mind.
I will never understand why some people go out of their way to hurt themselves?
2007-03-01 01:19:08 · answer #8 · answered by fighterace26 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
1
2017-02-10 09:04:26 · answer #9 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, I'm the one who should be worried. You "smoke a little doober" and you're going to be in the same sky I am?
2007-02-28 13:37:46 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 5⤋