If you are considering applying to ATP Flight School, you might be curious what their drug and alcohol policy is. After all, it seems like more and more schools and employers are implementing relaxed policies regarding their use.
You might even have asked some of the following common questions.
Does ATP Flight School Drug Test?
Yes, ATP Flight School reserves the right to screen all students for drug and alcohol use at any time. This includes all students, employees, instructors, and other personnel. The possession or use of drugs is strictly prohibited on all ATP Flight School facilities
Although this does not guarantee that you will have to take a drug test, you should just assume you will since it’s a possibility.
If you are attending training while under the influence of drugs, they can (and likely will) terminate your training as a result.
The reason for these strict policies
As you can imagine, attempting to fly or use much of the equipment at a flight school can be very dangerous while under the use of any illegal drugs.
The last thing that the flight school, your fellow students, or the FAA want is for their safety to be put in jeopardy by someone using drugs.
What is ATP Flight School’s Alcohol Policy
ATP Flight School’s alcohol policy is the same as their policy on illegal drugs. The use of alcohol is not allowed on or near their facilities or equipment. Also, if you show up to training under the influence of alcohol (or are suspected to be) you can expect your training to be terminated.
As a best practice, you should forgo consuming alcohol while flight training. You would not want to risk showing up to training in the morning and give them impression of being hung over or still intoxicated from the night before.
What is ATP Flight School’s Tobacco Use Policy
ATP Flight School does not permit the use of tobacco products on or near any of their aircraft or facilities.
This includes regular cigarettes as well as chewing tobacco, electronic cigarettes, smokeless tobacco, vapes, or any other variations.
It’s not surprising that they have this policy. There’s a few reasons why this makes perfect sense.
One good reason is for safety. It could be dangerous to have lit cigarettes on or near aircraft. You could risk igniting fuel or starting an airplane on fire.
Another reason is due to the second hand smoke it would create for other students. It would be unfair to the all the students that don’t smoke if you were to constantly be smoking around them and expose them to your cigarette smoke.
Lastly, tobacco products cause waste and can leave a mess wherever they are used. Things like cigarette butts, chewing tobacco, and other paraphernalia can create unsightly litter.
Drug Testing for Pilots
If you plan on becoming a pilot, being enrolled in flight school is not the last time you’ll face strict policies on the use of drugs. All airline pilots in the United States are strictly prohibited from recreational drug use. In addition, you’ll not only have to take a drug test to be hired by whatever airline you interview with, you’ll also be subject to drug tests for the entirety of your career.
This is something the FAA and airline take very seriously due to the safety implications of a pilot being under the influence.
Being drug free should be a lifestyle from here on out if you plan on pursuing a career as an airline pilot. Not only so you don’t have to worry about passing drug tests, but for the safety of yourself and your passengers.
ATP Flight School Housing
ATP’s student housing is considered an extension of their facility and flight school. This means you are not allowed to have drugs or alcohol on the premises at any time. They take this seriously and reserve the right to end your lease and remove you from their property if you do not follow their guidelines.
Conclusion
The use of drugs and alcohol is something taken seriously by ATP Flight School (and all flight schools for that matter). Flying aircraft is something that has to be taken seriously and it’s important all safety protocols are followed.
Being under the influence of drugs or alcohol can create a very dangerous situation and should be avoided.
