Drugs in Aviation

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses how drugs and aviation do not mix well at all and how, although regulations and drug testing programs have been implemented to help fight against drug use, there are still a few people that get through the system undetected. The paper relates that it is a fact that a majority, if not all, drugs have some sort of adverse reaction when taken and that these reactions can include drowsiness, delayed reaction time, impaired judgment, and many other deadly factors. The paper also examines how the regulations and programs that have been implemented to help reduce and stop drug use in aviation have been called into question, whether it is cost effective or not.

From the Paper:

"Both the state and federal governments have fairly strict regulations when it comes to drug use. Although there are several types of drugs, the state and federal regulations are focused more on the use and or possession of illicit drugs. The least regulated drugs are the non-prescription or over-the-counter drugs. These non-prescription drugs include the common aspirin, ibuprofen, and any other drug that can be purchased over the counter at a local drug store. Another type of drug that is moderately regulated by the federal and state governments is prescription drugs. Prescription drugs include medications such as anti-depressants, sedatives, and opiates. Prescription drugs are regulated more than non-prescription drugs, because the person must have a doctor's approval and fill the order with a pharmacist. However, prescription drugs are still easily obtainable at times and they are legal to use. "

Sample of Sources Used:

• Burkeman, O. & Taylor, R. N. (2003, January 4). U.S. pilots blame drug for friendly fire deaths. The Guardian. Retrieved February 3, 2008, from http://www.cndyorks.gn.apc.org/news/articles/drugsblamed.htm
• Federal Aviation Administration. (2005, September 27). Illicit drug use. Retrieved February 3, 2008, from http://www.faa.gov/other_visit/aviation_industry/designees_delegations/designee_types/ame/media/Section%20II.3.6%20Illicit%20Drug%20Use.doc
• National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2008, January 2). Commonly abused drugs. Retrieved February 3, 2008, from http://www.drugabuse.gov/DrugPages/DrugsofAbuse.html
• Pilot Medical Solutions. (2007). Flying high: Drug-testing programs . Retrieved February 3, 2008, from http://www.leftseat.com/AME/health4pilots/
• U.S. Department of Transportation. (2008). FAR/AIM. Newcastle, WA: Aviation Supplies & Academics, Inc.

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