If you receive a request from the FAA for psychological testing to assess alcoholism, what is your obligation?

When the FAA requests psychological testing to assess alcoholism, pilots and aviation professionals have a legal obligation to comply with that request. This requirement stems from regulations aimed at ensuring safety in aviation operations. The FAA places significant emphasis on the physical and mental fitness of its certificate holders to operate aircraft. As a result, the agency can request tests to evaluate conditions that may impair a person's ability to perform safely, including alcohol use disorders.

Compliance with the FAA’s request is not optional. By adhering to this requirement, individuals demonstrate a commitment to safety and compliance with federal regulations. These tests are part of the FAA's procedures to ensure that individuals in safety-sensitive positions maintain the highest levels of health and fitness, which in turn protects the flying public and enhances aviation safety overall.

Therefore, when the FAA asks for psychological testing, it is not merely a suggestion or voluntary action; it is a mandatory obligation that must be fulfilled.