Brittni Darke

Members of the Federal Aviation Administration, I am currently a senior in the aviation management program at the Bowling Green State University Flight School and I am a comment to an NPRM. This NPRM proposes that government subcontractors at any tier be alcohol and drug tested. I agree with the FAA’s view about making small businesses and subcontractors go through drug and alcohol testing like the rest of the aviation community. These small businesses and subcontractors are creating and using aviation equipment, which is expensive and dangerous. If an employee is under the influence of narcotics or alcohol while working with heavy machinery, it would be dangerous for that employee. It would also be dangerous for anyone who uses the finished product because aviation equipment needs to be as strong and durable as possible. Someone who is under the influence will be more likely to make a mistake while working on the equipment and the equipment will be less durable or perhaps even unusable. In order for the safety of all consumers of the aviation community, including pilots, passengers, etc., to be properly considered, it is necessary to have all employees of the small businesses and subcontractors to undergo the drug and alcohol tests, even if the cost is high. Additionally, in the NPRM, it states that the cost to small entities is less than 1%, which is a very low cost compared to how safe it will make the employees themselves as well as any consumer of the aviation community. Thank you for reading and considering my comments on this proposed rule. Sincerely, Brittni Darke BGSU Student