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There's nothing that can put an end to a professional pilot's career faster than a positive drug test.  Every pilot under an air carrier certificate, regardless of whether its Part 119, 121 or 135 (and Part 65 controllers), all pilots will undergo drug screening.  Most Part 91 corporate pilots will also be screened for drugs including sightseeing operations under FAR 91.147.  The process usually entails the supervised collection of urine and is governed by FAR part 120. 

There are several circumstances which kick off the drug & alcohol testing program.  Drug & alcohol tests are conducted for pre-employment screening, reasonable suspicion, random drug & alcohol testing, and post-accident drug and alcohol testing.  It even affects the average private pilot as FAR 120.11 states:

Refusal by the holder of a certificate issued under part 61 of this chapter to take a drug or alcohol test required under the provisions of this part is grounds for:

(1) Denial of an application for any certificate, rating, or authorization issued under part 61 of this chapter for a period of up to 1 year after the date of such refusal; and
(2) Suspension or revocation of any certificate, rating, or authorization issued under part 61 of this chapter.

• Use of prohibited drug use while on duty (Part E(2): states you would be permanently precluded from performing your safety-sensitive function for an employer.
  
• Testing positive for prohibited drug use (Part E(1):  states you would be permanently precluded from performing your safety-sensitive function for an employer if you tested positive for a prohibited drug twice.
  

• 5 -Panel: The DOT Test for 5 drugs: Marijuana, Cocaine, Amphetamines, Opiates, and Phencyclidine.
• 7-Panel: Tests for all drugs in 5 Panel plus Barbiturates and Benzodiazepines.
• 9-Panel: Tests for all drugs in 7 panel plus Methadone and Propoxyphene.
• 10-Panel: Tests for all drugs in 9 panel plus Methaqualone (aka quaaludes).
• Health Care Panel: Tests for 12 to 14 drugs commonly abused prescription drugs.
  

The Process

1. The collector will verify the indentity of the subject.
2. You may be asked to provide information on the collection forms, including medications you may be taking.
3. You will be directed to wash your hands.
4. The collector will direct that outer garments be stored and pockets will be emptied.  Wallet & footwear retained.
5. The collector will have inspected the collection area prior to your use.  Water sources are secured.
6. The collector will provide the collection cup and give you reasonable time to provide a minimum of 45ml of urine. 
7. You will not be permitted to flush or wash hands until directed by the collector.
8. The collector will measure the temperature within 4 minutes (90-100°F) and inspect for evidence of adulteration.
9. The collector will secure the specimen in the appropriate testing containers and seal in your presence.
10. You will initial the collection containers and sign the collection form.  Refusal to sign is not a refusal to test.
11. You will be directed to wash your hands.

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