AMFA Applauds Move... But Wants Checks Overseas, Too

The FAA ruled Wednesday that, effective April 10, all employees at outsourced repair and maintenance facilities in the US must undergo the same drug and alcohol testing procedures as those directly employed by domestic airlines. The move was met with approval by the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA), but union representatives also say more must be done.

On Thursday, AMFA called on the FAA to close another safety gap, by extending the testing program to cover repair shops outside of the US as well. According to the union, the FAA has responsibility for overseeing work performed on US commercial aircraft anywhere in the world -- but has been repeatedly criticized in reports from the Department of Transportation's Inspector General for poor oversight of outsourced repair shops in the US and abroad.

"In the post-9/11 era, it's shocking that the planes Americans fly on are increasingly being worked on by individuals whose backgrounds have never been checked, and who have not been tested for drug and alcohol abuse," said AMFA National Director O.V. Delle-Femine.

"AMFA provided commentary urging the FAA to extend the testing program to repair shops. We're glad the FAA has taken this important additional step to help protect air passengers, flight crews and all of us who work in, on and around planes," Delle-Femine continued. "Now the FAA needs to extend the testing to non-US repair stations."

As has been reported in Aero-News, AMFA also supports a congressional bill that, if signed, would require FBI background checks for all employees at overseas outsource facilities.

FMI: www.amfanatl.org, www.faa.gov