March 18, 2026
When I sit down to write safety articles, I sometimes struggle with what our members actually want to hear or what might be on their minds. Now and then, something happens that reminds me why these conversations matter. Occasionally, someone will reach out and suggest a topic that would be a good reminder for employees across our covered airlines.
This is one of those topics.
Drug and alcohol abuse is no laughing matter. It’s a serious issue that deserves an honest conversation. Some of you reading this may think it doesn’t apply to you—that you don’t have a problem or that everything is under control. And the reality is that the vast majority of us show up to work every day ready to do the job safely and professionally.
But it only takes one person to create a catastrophic situation.
Even though only a small percentage of people in our industry struggle with substance abuse—whether alcohol, prescription medications, or illicit drugs—the effects ripple far beyond that individual. It impacts coworkers, families, and potentially the traveling public. In aviation maintenance, the margin for error is already small, and impairment makes that margin even smaller.
AMTs and AMEs carry one of the most critical responsibilities in aviation: ensuring that every aircraft released for service is safe and airworthy. Our work demands precision, attention to detail, and strict adherence to procedures. Alcohol or drug impairment directly undermines these requirements and decision-making.
Substance abuse can affect anyone regardless of experience, seniority, or background. The Federal Aviation Administration, Transport Canada, and the U.S. Department of Transportation require strict alcohol and drug testing programs for safety-sensitive aviation employees. These rules exist for one reason: impairment in aviation maintenance can directly affect aircraft safety and the lives of passengers and crew.
For AMTs and AMEs, the consequences of substance misuse go far beyond disciplinary action. Testing positive for a required drug or alcohol screening could cost you far more than your job. It could cost you your certification, your career, your reputation, your marriage, your home, and your future. In the worst-case scenario, impairment during a critical maintenance task could contribute to a failure that costs someone else their life—or many lives.
Aviation maintenance is built on trust and accountability. Every time we sign a logbook, we put our name behind the safety of that aircraft and everyone on board.
The good news is that help is available. Many airlines provide confidential Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) that offer support for employees dealing with stress, substance misuse, family challenges, or other personal issues. These programs exist so that employees can seek help early—before a situation affects their health, their career, or safety on the job.
Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs)
Alaska Airlines / Horizon Airlines – Lyra Health
(877) 878-7834 | aag.lyrahealth.com
Spirit Airlines – EWS
(800) 622-7276 | liveandworkwell.com
Southwest Airlines – Clear Skies
(800) 742-8911 | swaclearskies.com
Sun Country Airlines – TELUS Health
(877) 234-5151 | suncountry.lifeworks.com
Username: Sun Country | Password: 5692
WestJet – Inkblot EFAP
(855) 933-0103 | inkblottherapy.com/WestJet
Peer Support
TechOps.PS@gmail.com | tops-ps.com
Login: TEAM | Password: W3$tJ3t
JAZZ / JTS – Homewood Health
(800) 663-1142 | homeweb.ca
Calm Air – Manulife
(833) 531-4455 | manulife.ca
L3 Harris – Manulife
(866) 644-0326 | manulifeEFAP.com
U.S. Veterans’ Support
VA Information Line
1-800-MyVA411 (1-800-698-2411)
Veterans Crisis Line
Dial 988, then press 1
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Vet Centers
1-877-927-8387
Remember:
Asking for help is not a weakness. It is a professional decision that protects your health, your career, and the safety of everyone who depends on the aircraft we maintain every day.
