FAA Reasonable Suspicion Training for Supervisors

FAA Reasonable Suspicion Training for Supervisors is a federally required 2-hour course that satisfies the 60/60 training mandate under federal aviation regulations, including 60 minutes on recognizing the physical, behavioral, and performance indicators of probable drug use and 60 minutes on identifying the symptoms of alcohol misuse, based on specific, contemporaneous, and articulable observations of appearance, behavior, speech, and body odor.

Developed by Andrew David Easler, Esq., an attorney and nationally recognized authority on DOT drug-free workplace compliance, this course meets the initial training requirements for supervisors of safety-sensitive aviation employees under 14 CFR Part 120.115(c) and 120.217(d) and is valid in all 50 states, Canada, and any country that follows US DOT rules.

Supervisors will learn how to recognize the signs and symptoms of drug and alcohol use, understand their legal obligations under federal aviation regulations, properly document observations, and follow the correct steps to order a reasonable suspicion test, all while protecting themselves and their organization from liability.

Available as online self-paced training, on-site instructor-led training, or SCORM courseware for use in third-party learning management systems. Certificates are available for immediate download upon completion. Supervisors who have completed this course must complete FAA Annual Recurrent Training yearly to maintain ongoing compliance.

FAA Reasonable Suspicion Training for Supervisors is a self-paced, 2-hour online course created by Andrew David Easler, Esq., an attorney and nationally recognized authority on DOT drug and alcohol compliance and drug-free workplace law.

Reasonable suspicion is a documented, fact-based determination grounded in specific, immediate, and explainable observations of an employee's appearance, speech, behavior, or body odor that suggest potential substance abuse. For example, a supervisor may observe bloodshot eyes, slurred speech, an unsteady gait, unusually aggressive behavior, a noticeable change in work performance, or the smell of alcohol. When these observations are properly documented and reported, they establish the legal basis for ordering a drug or alcohol test under federal aviation regulations.

Federal aviation regulations require supervisors of safety-sensitive aviation employees to complete at least 60 minutes of training on the physical, behavioral, and performance indicators of probable drug use and 60 minutes on recognizing the symptoms of alcohol misuse before they can order a reasonable suspicion test.

This course meets and exceeds that requirement by teaching supervisors how to make accurate, defensible determinations based on real-time observations while remaining fully compliant with FAA regulations. Completing this training also helps protect your organization from legal liability by ensuring supervisors follow the correct process every time.

Training certificates earned through this course are recognized in the United States, Canada, and any country adhering to US DOT regulations, covering supervisor training requirements for FAA-regulated employers operating under the DOT drug and alcohol testing program, including 49 CFR Part 40 and 14 CFR Part 120.

Training is self-paced and certificates are valid in the United States, Canada, and any country operating under DOT rules. After successfully completing the online exam, both learners and their managers can immediately download certificates directly from the platform.

Supervisors who have completed this initial course must complete FFAA Annual Recurrent Training on a yearly basis to maintain ongoing compliance with 14 CFR Part 120.115(c)(4).

By completing this course, supervisors will be able to:

• Recognize signs of drug and alcohol use by accurately identifying specific, contemporaneous physical, behavioral, and performance indicators of probable drug use, and recognizing the symptoms of alcohol misuse based on an employee's appearance, behavior, speech, and body odor.
• Understand FAA regulations and terminology by demonstrating working knowledge of the federal aviation regulations governing drug and alcohol testing in safety-sensitive roles, including 49 CFR Part 40 (DOT Procedures) and 14 CFR Part 120.115(c) and 120.217(d). Supervisors will understand key terms such as "safety-sensitive position," the 60/60 training mandate, and the appropriate protocols for documenting and reporting suspected substance use.
• Make confident and defensible decisions by applying FAA guidelines to real-world situations, including when and how to initiate a reasonable suspicion test, who to notify, and how to document observations accurately and in compliance with federal aviation requirements.
• Maintain legal and regulatory compliance by understanding supervisor responsibilities under FAA regulations, employee rights, Employee Assistance Program (EAP) requirements, confidentiality obligations, and the consequences of non-compliance for both the supervisor and the organization.
• Document and report effectively by completing required documentation accurately, maintaining proper records, and ensuring every action taken is transparent, legally defensible, and consistent with FAA testing protocols under 49 CFR Part 40 and 14 CFR Part 120.