FAA Proposes Mandatory Drug and Alcohol Testing in Foreign Aircraft-Repair Shops

To enhance aviation safety, the US regulating agency, the FAA, proposes a new rule that would change how aircraft maintenance is handled abroad. This new rule specifically targets repair stations located outside the U.S., where employees work on air carrier aircraft. The focus is to ensure that these workers undergo rigorous drug and alcohol testing.

Why this change? The goal is to align these overseas stations with the safety standards already in place within the U.S. Under this proposed rule, these stations must adopt a drug and alcohol testing program. This program isn't new; it's based on the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) standards and the Department of Transportation's guidelines for workplace drug testing.

This proposal is about ensuring everyone involved in keeping our flights safe, no matter where they are in the world, follows the same high standards of safety and sobriety. This step is a leap forward in ensuring that the maintenance of aircraft, a critical aspect of aviation safety, adheres to the best practices, contributing to safer skies for everyone.[1]

Abbreviations and Acronyms

Bilateral Aviation Safety Agreement (BASA)

A Bilateral Aviation Safety Agreement (BASA) is an agreement between two countries allowing collaboration in various aspects of civil aviation safety. These agreements are tailored to facilitate the recognition of certification of airworthiness, environmental testing, and maintenance approvals. A BASA is designed to support and enhance aviation safety standards between the signing nations.

BASAs primarily regulate the aviation industries of the two signatory countries. They affect manufacturers, maintenance organizations, airlines, and aviation training providers by streamlining the process of certifying that aviation products, parts, and services meet the safety standards of both countries. These agreements are particularly important for multinational companies that operate or sell their products in different countries, as they simplify the process of obtaining necessary certifications and approvals in each country.

International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)

The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations. It was established in 1944 to manage the administration and governance of the Convention on International Civil Aviation (Chicago Convention). ICAO works to facilitate safe, secure, efficient, and environmentally responsible civil aviation worldwide. It sets standards and regulations necessary for aviation safety, security, efficiency, and environmental protection and serves as a forum for cooperation in all fields of civil aviation among its 193 member states.

ICAO's regulations and standards apply to its member countries and, by extension, to their respective civil aviation sectors. This includes airlines, airports, air traffic services, and other aviation-related organizations operating within these countries. ICAO's role is more about establishing guidelines and standards than direct regulation; it is up to each member state to adopt these standards into their national legislation and oversee their implementation. By fostering consensus among its member states on international civil aviation practices and policies, ICAO aims to facilitate seamless and safe international air transport.

The FAA invites comments on whether the drug and alcohol testing requirements should extend to part 121 certificate holders' maintenance employees located outside the U.S.

This proposed rule represents a significant effort to standardize safety measures in the aviation industry, particularly in the maintenance sector, and reflects the FAA's ongoing commitment to aviation safety both domestically and internationally.

Proposed Rule

This proposed rule by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) focuses on implementing a statutory mandate related to drug and alcohol testing at certificated part 145 repair stations located outside the United States. Here's a breakdown of the key aspects:

• Target: The rule targets part 145 repair stations outside the U.S., mandating a drug and alcohol testing program for employees involved in safety-sensitive maintenance functions on part 121 air carrier aircraft.
• Compliance with Local Laws: The testing program must comply with the applicable laws of the country where the repair station is located.
• Requirements: The program should meet the criteria set forth in 49 CFR part 40 and 14 CFR part 120.
• Exemptions and Waivers: If a repair station cannot comply with certain requirements due to conflicting local laws, it may apply for exemptions (under 49 CFR 40.7) or waivers.
• Scope of Impact: As of April 2021, the rule would affect approximately 977 part 145 repair stations across 65 foreign countries.

Employer Responsibilities

• Enforcement by Part 121 Operators: Part 121 operators are responsible for ensuring that any person, whether directly employed or contracted (including subcontractors), involved in safety-sensitive functions is subject to the drug and alcohol testing program.
• Domestic Repair Stations: Part 145 repair stations within the U.S. may choose to implement such a program but are not mandated to do so. If a domestic repair station does not have its own testing program, part 121 operators must include its safety-sensitive employees in their FAA drug and alcohol testing program.
• Coverage of Employees: In cases where part 121 operators contract with domestic repair stations without a testing program, the operators must treat these employees as their own for drug and alcohol testing purposes.

Rulemaking Authority

• General Authority: The FAA's general authority for aviation safety rules comes from Title 49 of the United States Code (49 U.S.C.), particularly under Subtitle I, Section 106, and Subtitle VII, Aviation Programs.
• Specific Authority for Drug and Alcohol Testing: The authority for alcohol and drug testing rules comes from 49 U.S.C. 45102. Additionally, specific directives for this rule come from:
  • Section 308 of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 (49 U.S.C. 44733), mandates a testing program for part 145 repair station employees working on part 121 air carrier aircraft.
    Section 2112 of the FAA Extension, Safety, and Security Act of 2016 directed the publication and finalization of a notice of proposed rulemaking in accordance with 49 U.S.C. 44733.

Evolution of Drug and Alcohol Testing Regulations

The journey towards stringent drug and alcohol testing in the aviation industry began in earnest in 1988, marked by a collaborative effort between the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Office of the Secretary of Transportation (OST). This partnership sought to introduce robust anti-drug programs in various transportation sectors, including aviation. The OST's initial steps involved adopting modified Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) guidelines into new regulations (49 CFR part 40), mandating employers to conduct drug testing in line with the HHS's Federal Workplace Programs.

The FAA introduced a final rule focusing on entities engaged in aviation, such as air carriers and air traffic control facilities. This rule marked a shift from mere restrictions on substance use among aviation personnel to the implementation of structured anti-drug programs. However, the FAA's approach differed from the OST's, incorporating new regulations as an appendix within 14 CFR part 121 rather than creating a new part. Though primarily targeting domestic operators, this rule did not explicitly exclude U.S.-based employees working overseas from testing requirements.

International Considerations and Extensions

Recognizing the potential conflicts with foreign laws, the FAA tailored its regulations to accommodate international agreements and policies. This consideration was particularly relevant for foreign repair stations under contract with U.S. certificate holders, who faced a mandate to participate in anti-drug programs or risk ineligibility for maintenance work on U.S.-registered aircraft. The FAA extended the effective date of these regulations several times to allow for adjustments and negotiations with foreign governments.

Legislative Developments and FAA Adjustments

The Omnibus Transportation Employee Testing Act of 1991 (OTETA) further advanced these regulations by directing the establishment of comprehensive alcohol and controlled substance testing programs, applicable to both U.S. and foreign air carriers. This legislation underscored the need for compatibility with international obligations and the laws of foreign countries.

Subsequent FAA and OST rules aligned with OTETA, with specific mandates exempting employees located exclusively outside the U.S. from drug testing under certain conditions. The FAA also introduced and refined regulations concerning alcohol misuse, initially proposing to extend these requirements to U.S. air carriers' employees abroad, but ultimately aligning with the drug testing framework to exclude overseas employees from mandatory testing.

Recent Developments and Consolidation

For nearly two decades, these regulations remained largely unchanged, with scattered amendments across various parts of 14 CFR. In 2009, the FAA undertook a significant effort to streamline these regulations, consolidating them into the newly formed 14 CFR part 120. This move aimed to create a more coherent and accessible framework for the aviation industry's drug and alcohol testing programs. Additionally, the FAA has continued to update and harmonize its regulations with the OST's amendments to 49 CFR part 40, ensuring consistency in the prohibited substances list and testing procedures.

The evolution of drug and alcohol testing regulations in the aviation industry reflects the FAA's commitment to maintaining high safety standards while balancing the complexities of international operations and legal compliance. This ongoing regulatory journey underscores the FAA's role in fostering a safe and responsible aviation environment, both domestically and internationally.

FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012

The FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012, enacted by Congress, marked a pivotal moment in aviation regulation and safety. This Act, codified in Public Law 112-95 on February 14, 2012, brought significant changes, especially in the aviation industry's maintenance and repair operations.

Key Mandate for Overseas Repair Stations

One of the critical components of this Act, detailed in Section 308(d)(2) and implemented under 49 U.S.C. 44733, focused on the operations of part 145 repair stations located outside the United States. The Act mandated that the FAA published a proposed rule requiring all employees of these repair stations responsible for safety-sensitive maintenance functions on part 121 air carrier aircraft to be subject to a robust alcohol and controlled substances testing program.

Consistency with International Laws

A notable aspect of this requirement is its emphasis on alignment with the legal frameworks of the countries where these repair stations operate. The FAA was tasked with ensuring that the proposed testing program is rigorous in its safety standards and adaptable and respectful of the legal and regulatory landscapes of various nations.

Definition of Safety-Sensitive Functions

In accordance with 14 CFR 120.105 and 120.215, the FAA considers all maintenance functions performed on part 121 air carrier aircraft to be safety-sensitive. This broad categorization underscores the critical nature of maintenance work and its direct impact on the safety and security of air travel.

Contextualizing the Act

This legislative action by the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 was a response to the evolving needs of the global aviation industry. It represented a proactive measure to enhance safety standards for aircraft maintenance, especially in an increasingly interconnected world where U.S. carriers routinely rely on overseas repair stations. This move was not only about maintaining high safety standards but also about fostering international collaboration and compliance in the aviation sector.

The Act and its subsequent implementation through FAA rulemaking highlighted the ongoing commitment of U.S. aviation authorities to uphold stringent safety protocols, adapting to new challenges, and fostering a culture of safety that transcends national borders. This global approach to aviation safety is integral to ensuring the highest standards of air travel safety, reflecting the interconnected nature of the modern aviation industry.

Legislative and Rulemaking Actions

The FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012

In 2012, a significant legislative milestone was achieved in the aviation industry with the passing of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 (Public Law 112-95). This Act represented a comprehensive effort to update and reform various aspects of aviation regulation and policy, reflecting the evolving challenges and complexities of modern air travel.

Key Provisions Affecting Overseas Repair Stations
A notable section of this Act, Section 308(d)(2), codified in 49 U.S.C. 44733, specifically targeted part 145 repair stations located outside the United States. The FAA was directed to propose a rule mandating that employees of these stations, responsible for safety-sensitive maintenance functions on part 121 air carrier aircraft, undergo an alcohol and controlled substances testing program.

Alignment with International Laws

Crucial to this mandate was the requirement that the testing program be consistent with the laws of the country where the repair station is situated. This approach demonstrated a keen awareness of the need to harmonize safety standards with international legal frameworks, ensuring global compliance and cooperation.

Broad Scope of Safety-Sensitive Functions
In defining the scope of the rule, the FAA classified all maintenance functions performed on part 121 air carrier aircraft as safety-sensitive, as per 14 CFR 120.105 and 120.215. This classification underscores the critical nature of maintenance tasks in ensuring the safety and reliability of aircraft operations.

Historical Context of the Act

The FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 was part of a continuum of regulatory evolution. Prior to this, the FAA had engaged in various rulemaking efforts to enhance safety standards. For instance, in 1994, the FAA proposed requiring foreign air carriers operating in the U.S. to comply with the same testing standards as U.S. carriers, contingent upon international support from the ICAO. This proposal was later withdrawn following ICAO's publication of guidelines on substance use in the aviation workplace.

Consolidation of Regulations

Over the years, the FAA has continuously worked to refine and consolidate its regulations regarding drug and alcohol testing. Requirements affecting different aviation sectors were initially scattered across various parts of the CFR. However, efforts like the Final Rule in 2009 and subsequent corrections and amendments aimed to streamline these regulations for better coherence and implementation.

The FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 was a pivotal step in advancing global aviation safety standards, particularly in the realm of maintenance and repair operations. By requiring overseas repair stations to adhere to stringent testing programs, while respecting international legal norms, the Act demonstrated a balanced approach to ensuring safety in an increasingly interconnected aviation industry. This legislation not only reinforced the FAA's commitment to safety but also highlighted the importance of international collaboration in maintaining the highest standards in global air travel.

Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPRM)

In response to the congressional mandate, the FAA published an Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPRM) on March 17, 2014, to gather public and international input on the proposed drug and alcohol testing rule for part 145 repair station employees located outside the U.S. The ANPRM's comment period, initially set for 60 days, was extended by an additional 60 days to facilitate thorough feedback.

Public Response to the ANPRM

The FAA received 74 substantive comments, which ranged from support to opposition. Key issues raised included:

• Legal and Cultural Concerns: Many foreign countries and maintenance providers expressed concerns about the legal, practical, and cultural implications of implementing U.S.-style drug and alcohol testing.
• Economic Disadvantages: Some U.S.-based maintenance facilities argued that they were at an economic disadvantage compared to foreign facilities that do not require such testing.
• National Sovereignty: Over half of the opposing comments cited concerns over national sovereignty, arguing that the FAA cannot impose regulations conflicting with the laws of sovereign nations.
• Bilateral Aviation Safety Agreements (BASAs): Commenters pointed to existing BASAs, arguing that these should be considered and unilateral rulemaking without consultation could be problematic.
• ICAO Initiatives: Many commenters suggested that international standards for drug and alcohol testing should be established through ICAO initiatives rather than unilateral FAA action.

FAA's Response and Considerations

In evaluating the comments, the FAA acknowledged several key points:

• International Law and Sovereignty: The proposed regulations must respect international law and sovereignty and not exceed extraterritorial jurisdiction.
• Compliance with Local Laws: The proposed rule must align with the laws of the country where the repair station is located, with provisions for exemptions and waivers in cases of conflict.
  Safety Evidence: The FAA acknowledged the lack of data supporting a direct safety risk associated with drug and alcohol misuse at foreign repair stations.
• Economic Impact: The FAA recognized the potential economic impact on small-to-medium-sized aerospace companies abroad but lacked sufficient data to isolate the impact.
• Subsequent Legislative Action: FAA Extension, Safety, and Security Act of 2016. Following the ANPRM, Congress passed the FAA Extension, Safety, and Security Act of 2016, which reinforced the priority of drug and alcohol programs for foreign repair station employees. This Act directed the FAA to publish a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) within 90 days and finalize the rulemaking within a year of the NPRM publication.

The FAA's ANPRM process and subsequent legislative actions reflect a complex balancing act between enhancing global aviation safety standards and respecting international legal and sovereignty issues. The comments and the FAA's response highlight the challenges of implementing uniform safety measures across different jurisdictions, the importance of international cooperation, and the need for a nuanced approach to global aviation regulation.

Discussion of the Proposal

Summary of the Application of 14 CFR part 120 and 49 CFR parts 40 through 145 for Repair Stations Outside the U.S.

• Existing Regulations: Current FAA regulations (14 CFR part 120) mandate that various aviation-related entities, including certificated air carriers, operators, and air traffic control facilities, establish drug and alcohol programs. This includes part 145 certificate holders who elect to implement such programs.
• Geographical Restrictions: Presently, these regulations restrict drug and alcohol testing activities (like specimen collection and testing) to within the U.S. territory, limiting their applicability to overseas operations.
• Proposed Rule Changes: The proposed rule aims to extend these drug and alcohol testing requirements to part 145 repair stations located outside the U.S. The proposal includes amendments to 14 CFR 120.1, 120.123, and 120.227 to facilitate the inclusion of foreign repair stations in the drug and alcohol testing programs.
  Implications for Safety-Sensitive Functions
• Safety-Sensitive Personnel: The FAA considers maintenance functions on part 121 air carrier aircraft as safety-sensitive. This categorization justifies the need for stringent drug and alcohol testing to ensure performance reliability and safety.
• Application to Foreign Repair Stations: The proposed rule would require employees of part 145 repair stations outside the U.S. who perform these safety-sensitive functions to comply with the FAA's drug and alcohol testing programs.
  Consistency with Current Regulations: The FAA intends to mirror the drug and alcohol testing requirements for foreign repair stations with those in the U.S., using the same standards for detecting and deterring substance abuse in safety-sensitive aviation roles.

Addressing Legal and Practical Challenges

• Exemptions and Waivers: Recognizing differing international laws, particularly concerning privacy and labor rights, the proposal includes provisions for exemptions and waivers. This is to ensure compliance with local laws in countries where these foreign repair stations operate.
• Economic and Operational Considerations: The proposal considers the potential economic impact on foreign repair stations, particularly smaller entities, and the feasibility of implementing the testing programs in line with U.S. standards.
  Impact on International Agreements
• Bilateral Aviation Safety Agreements (BASAs): The FAA acknowledges the importance of BASAs and invites comments on potential conflicts with the proposed rule. The goal is to ensure that the new regulations align with existing international agreements.

Regulatory Analysis

• Economic Assessment: The FAA conducted a detailed regulatory impact analysis, considering the costs and benefits of the proposed rule. The total estimated cost is $108.7 million over five years.
• Affected Entities: The rule primarily affects foreign part 145 certificated repair stations performing safety-sensitive maintenance on part 121 aircraft and the FAA Office of Aerospace Medicine.

The FAA's proposal seeks to extend its drug and alcohol testing programs to part 145 repair stations outside the U.S. while considering international legal challenges, operational feasibility, and economic impacts. The aim is to maintain high safety standards in aviation maintenance globally without imposing undue burdens on foreign entities or violating international agreements.

Costs and Benefits

The proposed rule presents substantial costs to foreign repair stations and the FAA, primarily for implementing and maintaining the testing program. There's a significant challenge in quantifying the benefits of the rule due to limited data on the direct impact of drug and alcohol misuse on aviation safety. The FAA encourages stakeholders to provide input and data, particularly regarding the rule's potential benefits and impacts on small entities.

Costs of the Proposed Rule

The initial year involves higher costs due to program and training development, with subsequent years involving costs for ongoing training, testing, and annual reports, and includes inspection and monitoring costs, totaling $6.3 million over five years (7% present value) or $7.2 million (3% present value).

• Foreign Repair Stations Costs: The main costs for part 145 certificated foreign repair stations include setting up a drug and alcohol testing program, training, testing safety-sensitive maintenance employees, and documentation.
• Five-Year Cost Estimate: Over five years, the total cost for foreign repair stations is estimated at $102.3 million (7% present value) or $115.2 million (3% present value), with annualized costs around $24.9 - $25.1 million.

Benefits of the Proposed Rule

The FAA emphasizes the importance of stakeholder engagement in this process and are actively seeking comments and data that could help quantify the safety and productivity benefits of the proposed rule. This is particularly pertinent in considering its extension to foreign mechanics employed by part 121 certificate holders.

The decision to propose this rule is driven by the need to align with Congressional directives. Continuing with the status quo, i.e., maintaining current practices without the proposed requirements, has been deemed inadequate as it does not comply with these directives. Similarly, the option of collaborating with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) to establish international standards was considered. However, this approach may fall short of meeting Congress's more immediate expectations for action.

Envisioned Benefits

• Enhanced Safety: One of the most significant anticipated benefits is reducing safety risks. By implementing rigorous drug and alcohol testing standards, the rule aims to significantly lower the potential for accidents or errors due to impairment among maintenance personnel.
• Improved Detection and Deterrence: The proposed rule is expected to strengthen the capacity to detect and deter drug and alcohol misuse within the workforce. This proactive approach is critical in maintaining high safety standards in the aviation industry, particularly in foreign repair stations.
• Boost in Productivity: Another expected benefit is an increase in worker productivity. By ensuring a drug and alcohol-free environment, the rule is likely to contribute to more consistent and efficient performance from safety-sensitive personnel.

Despite these anticipated benefits, the FAA recognizes the challenge in accurately quantifying them, primarily due to the current lack of comprehensive baseline data on the impact of drug and alcohol misuse in foreign repair stations. This gap in data underscores the importance of gathering more information to support the implementation of the rule and to understand its potential impact better.

The FAA also acknowledges certain challenges in measuring the full scope of the rule’s benefits. The overarching aim remains clear: to enhance safety and productivity in aviation maintenance globally, aligning with legislative directives and addressing identified gaps in current practices.

Cost Implications

• Foreign Repair Stations: Estimated costs for foreign repair stations over five years include developing and maintaining a drug and alcohol testing program, training, and testing safety-sensitive maintenance employees. The total cost is projected at $102.3 million (7% present value) or $115.2 million (3% present value).
• FAA Costs: The FAA would incur costs for inspections and monitoring, estimated at $6.3 million over five years (7% present value) or $7.2 million (3% present value).
• Annualized Costs: The average annual costs for foreign repair stations are estimated to be around $24.9 - $25.1 million.
• Benefits and Justification of the Rule Safety and Productivity Gains: The rule aims to reduce safety risks and enhance detection and deterrence of drug/alcohol misuse, potentially leading to increased worker productivity.
• Data Challenges: The FAA acknowledges the difficulty in quantifying these benefits, particularly due to a lack of baseline data regarding safety risks associated with drug/alcohol misuse at foreign repair stations.
• Stakeholder Engagement: The FAA is actively seeking comments and data, especially concerning the extension of the rule to foreign mechanics employed by part 121 certificate holders.

International Trade Impact Assessment

Consideration of Alternatives

The Trade Agreements Act mandates that U.S. standards should not create unnecessary obstacles to foreign commerce. This proposed rule, while ensuring safety, could potentially create challenges in international trade, as indicated by comments from various countries and foreign trade associations.

• Maintaining Status Quo: Retaining current practices without the proposed requirements was rejected as it contradicts Congressional directives.
• Working with ICAO: Collaborating with ICAO to establish international standards was considered. However, this may not promptly meet the specific and expeditious needs as directed by Congress.

Unfunded Mandates and Paperwork Reduction

• Unfunded Mandates Assessment: The proposed rule does not meet the threshold for a "significant regulatory action" under the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act, as it does not entail an expenditure exceeding $177 million in any one year.
• Paperwork Reduction Act: The proposed amendments to the information collection requirements fall under OMB Control Number 2120-0535. The FAA is seeking comments to evaluate the necessity and accuracy of these information requirements.

The proposed rule for part 145 certificated foreign repair stations is a comprehensive measure aimed at enhancing safety in aviation maintenance. It involves significant financial implications for both the foreign repair stations and the FAA. The FAA is diligently working to balance the need for heightened safety measures with the practical and economic realities of implementing such a program, especially in the context of international trade and regulatory compliance. Stakeholder feedback is essential in shaping the final contours of this rule.

Objectives, Legal Basis, and Implications

Objectives of the Proposed Rule

• Mandate for Drug and Alcohol Testing: The proposed rule requires part 145 certificated repair stations outside the U.S. to implement a drug and alcohol testing program for employees performing maintenance on part 121 air carrier aircraft.
• Compliance with U.S. Standards: These repair stations must adhere to the testing standards outlined in 49 CFR part 40 and 14 CFR part 120.
• Provisions for Non-Compliance: In cases where repair stations cannot comply with all requirements (due to conflicts with local laws), they can apply for exemptions or waivers as outlined in the respective CFR sections.
  Legal Basis for the Rule
• FAA’s Authority: The FAA derives its rulemaking authority from 49 U.S.C., specifically sections 106 and 45102.
• Legislative Mandates: This rule is further supported by section 308 of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 (49 U.S.C. 44733) and section 2112 of the FAA Extension, Safety, and Security Act of 2016, which direct the FAA to implement this rulemaking.
  Impact on Small Entities
• Definition and Analysis: The rule impacts part 145 repair stations outside the U.S., some of which may be small entities as defined by the SBA. While direct financial data on foreign repair stations is not available, estimates based on domestic data suggest that a significant proportion of these repair stations could be small entities.
• Estimated Costs for Small Entities: The total cost to small foreign repair stations is projected at $118.1 million over five years, with specific costs broken down into program development, training, testing, and paperwork.

Compliance Requirements

• Reporting and Recordkeeping: Repair stations will need to document their compliance with the testing program, including program certification and maintenance documentation, training records, and testing data.
• Estimated Compliance Costs: The average annualized compliance cost per repair station is estimated at around $20,126.04, encompassing program development, training, testing, and paperwork.
  Significant Alternatives Considered
• Maintaining Status Quo: Continuing without changes was rejected due to non-compliance with Congressional directives.
• Collaboration with ICAO: Creating an international standard through ICAO was considered but is unlikely to meet the expeditious requirements set by Congress.

The proposed rule reflects a significant regulatory action to enhance safety standards in global aviation maintenance. It addresses the legal mandates set by U.S. legislation and considers the potential impact on small foreign entities involved in aircraft maintenance. The FAA's approach balances the urgency of Congress's directives with the practicalities of international standard-setting and the economic realities faced by smaller repair stations.

International Trade Impact, Unfunded Mandates, and Paperwork Reduction

In addressing the proposed rule by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) concerning drug and alcohol testing at part 145 certificated foreign repair stations, several key considerations come to the forefront. Firstly, the FAA is acutely aware of the potential impact this rule might have on international trade and is seeking public feedback, particularly on the role of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) in setting global standards. Secondly, in accordance with the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act, the proposed rule is structured to avoid imposing unfunded mandates on state, local, and tribal governments, as well as on the private sector. Lastly, an essential aspect of this rule involves the substantial information collection requirements. Here, the FAA is focused on evaluating and minimizing the burden on respondents, ensuring the effectiveness and efficiency of the drug and alcohol testing program remain intact. This introduction aims to shed light on these critical areas of the proposed rule and its broader implications.

International Trade Impact Assessment

• Trade Agreements Compliance: The rule adheres to the Trade Agreements Act of 1979 and the Uruguay Round Agreements Act, ensuring that the standards set do not create unnecessary obstacles to U.S. foreign commerce.
• Legitimate Domestic Objective: The rule's primary goal is safety, a legitimate objective that aligns with the statutory requirement of not adversely affecting imports meeting this objective.
• Consideration of International Standards: While some countries and trade associations expressed concerns about sovereignty and the preference for ICAO to set global standards, the FAA's rulemaking could potentially impact foreign commerce and is subject to public comment.

Unfunded Mandates Assessment

• Compliance with the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act: This proposed rule does not constitute a "significant regulatory action" under the Act, as it does not result in expenditures exceeding the inflation-adjusted threshold of $177 million.
• Paperwork Reduction Act Compliance OMB Control Number 2120-0535: The proposed rule entails amendments to existing information collection requirements, which have been submitted for OMB review.
• Information Collection and Use: Part 145 repair stations outside the U.S. would need to certify the implementation and maintenance of a drug and alcohol testing program. This information helps the FAA identify active programs for inspection scheduling and calculate annual testing rates.
• Respondent Burden Estimate: For Program Certification and Maintenance: Estimated total cost is $425,757, based on 977 repair stations each spending approximately 16.2 hours at an average hourly wage.
• For Annual Testing Data: Documentation involves training records and records related to the testing process, with a total estimated cost of $63.4 million over five years.

In summary, the FAA's proposed rule for drug and alcohol testing at part 145 certificated foreign repair stations encompasses key aspects including international trade considerations, compliance with the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act, and a significant focus on efficient information collection. Crucially, the effectiveness of this rule hinges on the thorough training of collectors and Breath Alcohol Technicians, as their proficiency is vital to ensure the accuracy and reliability of testing. Inadequate training could lead to severe safety lapses, undermining the rule's primary objective of enhancing aviation safety. This comprehensive approach reflects the FAA's commitment to maintaining high safety standards in aviation maintenance globally, balancing regulatory demands with practical implementation challenges.