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FAA Proposes $255,000 Civil Penalty Against American Over Drug-Testing Lapses

The regulator says 12 attendants returned to duty without mandated follow-up tests after positive results.

Overview

  • U.S. aviation regulators proposed a $255,000 civil penalty against American Airlines for alleged violations of federal drug and alcohol testing rules.
  • The FAA says the airline let 12 flight attendants resume safety‑sensitive work between May 2019 and December 2023 without completing required follow-up testing that clears employees to return to duty.
  • According to the agency, the positive tests involved alcohol and drugs including amphetamines, cocaine, marijuana, and methamphetamine.
  • American has 30 days to respond to the enforcement letter and said it is reviewing the notice while pointing to steps it says strengthened oversight of its testing programs.
  • The move comes after a separate FAA proposal last week to fine Southwest $304,000 for similar testing lapses, signaling closer scrutiny of airline compliance with return‑to‑duty rules.