Drug Abatement Division

The Drug Abatement Division (AAM-800) is the principal agency element responsible for the development, implementation, administration, evaluation, and compliance monitoring of the aviation industry antidrug and alcohol misuse prevention programs as set for the in 14 CFR part 121, appendices I and J and other relevant regulations. The regulations require air carriers, air taxi/commuters, and certain other aviation employers to implement drug and alcohol testing programs. The division is responsible for other related programs as required by statutes or national, Department of Transportation (DOT), or Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) initiatives.

The Field Operations Branch (AAM-802) is located at FAA headquarters in Washington DC. It has complete oversight for all field activities, including inspection results and scheduling. It prepares reports on program status and results in response to requests from FAA offices, OST, Congress and other organizations. It also processes and analyzes antidrug and alcohol misuse prevention program information system reports from the aviation industry, and maintains the division's compliance and enforcement and aviation industry databases.

The Program Administration Branch (AAM-810) is located at FAA headquarters in Washington DC. It coordinates program strategies, goals and objectives as required for AAM, FAA, and DOT planning efforts in coordination with other elements in the division. Serves as the division's focal point for Congressional inquires, FOIA, and Privacy Act requests. It processes drug and alcohol program registrations. The branch also coordinates strategic program and project planning and workload tracking, and assists with administrative/staff functions (e.g., budget requests, personnel and staffing, logistics, computer support).

The Program Policy Branch (AAM-820) is also located at FAA headquarters in Washington DC. It develops advisory circulars, orders, and policies in cooperation with other elements of the division. It also develops and coordinates all division rulemaking activities. It also provides technical advice to the agency and aviation industry on drug and alcohol testing regulations.

The Special Investigations and Enforcement Branch (AAM-830) is also located at FAA headquarters in Washington DC. This branch investigates complaints about regulation violations and allegations of industry employee refusals to test. It also responds to aviation industry employee complaints, hotline complaints, and alleged regulation violations. This branch also provides technical assistance to aviation industry employers about their industry antidrug and alcohol misuse prevention programs.