DOT Qualified SAP for FAA

You cannot return to the performance of safety-sensitive functions after violating the FAA’s drug and alcohol testing regulation [14 CFR part 120] until you complete the steps described in 49 CFR part 40, subpart O. The first step in the return-to-duty process is for your employer to provide you with a list of qualified Substance Abuse Professionals (SAP). The subsequent steps are as follows:

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The SAP process for FAA employees

The FAA Return to Duty process is designed to ensure aviation employees who have violated drug and alcohol regulations are fit to safely resume their duties. This includes airplane mechanics, flight crew, and flight attendants.

  • You must meet with the SAP for an evaluation either face-to-face in-person or remotely.  The SAP must recommend education and/or treatment and document the evaluation in a written report that is provided to your current or future employer.

  • The SAP must re-evaluate you in a follow-up face-to-face meeting, following your completion of your recommended education and/or treatment, to determine if you successfully completed the education and/or treatment recommendations.  If the SAP is satisfied, he or she must issue a written report to your current or future employer indicating whether your education and/or treatment was or was not successful.

  • Before an employer can return you to safety-sensitive work, you must take a return-to-duty test under direct observation and receive a verified negative drug test result and/or an alcohol test. This is the responsibility of the employer to schedule and ensure is within compliance following the letter of completion from the SAP.

  • After you return to work, you will be subject to follow-up drug and/or alcohol testing under direct observation, as directed by the SAP and required by the Department of Transportation.  Follow-up testing follows you through any breaks in service or from one employer to another. 

If you hold a medical certificate issued under 14 CFR part 67 and wish to return to the performance of duties requiring such a certificate, you must comply with any requirements imposed by your Aviation Medical Examiner or Regional Flight Surgeon and obtain an airman medical certificate issued by the Federal Air Surgeon dated after the date of your violation. The steps you must take to obtain your medical certificate are independent from the requirements your employer must follow to return you to duty (as described above), and both are required.

  • "Rachael delivered on her promises and made the process smooth and informative."

    Former Customer

  • "The attention to detail and commitment to understanding stood out. I would recommend her to anyone who is required to go through the SAP process"

    Former Customer