FAA fines SkyWest after airline shared drug-testing issues with the association

Utah-based SkyWest Airlines was fined earlier this month after allegedly informing the Federal Aviation Administration of problems related to its drug testing policies over the previous two years. The FAA fined SkyWest $295,750 for the violations, in accordance with the Department of Transportation’s drug-testing policies. SkyWest allegedly received the fine for three different types of violations: the first being that more than 150 employees were left out of the airline’s random drug testing pool; second, due to two employees failing drug tests and still being hired for “safety sensitive” roles; and finally, the airline requiring post-accident drug tests for non-safety-sensitive personnel on three separate occasions, unnecessarily. SkyWest expressed its disappointment in the FAA’s decision to impose fines since the airline informed the FAA directly of the problems. In an e-mail statement, SkyWest airline spokesperson Marissa Snow said, “We are extremely disappointed with the FAA’s decision to impose a penalty for a self-disclosure. SkyWest Airlines maintains a robust drug and alcohol testing program for all safety-sensitive employees, and is committed to maintaining a drug-free workplace.” SkyWest pilots fly planes for four other airlines as well, including Delta Airlines and American Airlines. SkyWest and the FAA are expected to meet sometime this month to review the violations. Photo credit: cliff1066™ via photopin cc  ]]>