The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a rule that requires repair stations outside the United States, which maintain certain U.S. commercial aircraft, to conduct drug and alcohol testing for their employees who perform safety-sensitive tasks. This rule aims to align with local laws where these stations operate and provides several pathways for compliance, such as seeking waivers if local laws conflict with FAA regulations. The rule will take effect in January 2025, with full compliance required by December 2027. This regulation is part of an ongoing effort to ensure aviation safety by ensuring that repair station employees meet similar standards to those in the United States.
Simple Explanation
Imagine a big airplane needs fixing, even if it's in another country. The people fixing it have to prove they are not using drugs or alcohol, just like people who fix planes in the U.S.