Legal Question in Aviation Law in New Hampshire

repercussions of positive drug test

I am a 48 year old A&P mechanic with almost 30 years of flawless service. I work full time for a major carrier, and part time for a local freight company. On Wednesday night I found myself with some freinds and I shared a joint (marajuana) I don't know why, but I did. 14 hours later my part time job popped me with a drug test. The results are not back yet, but I am a wreak. Surely it will show up.

I cannot even be described as a casual user of drugs, this just happened. Obviously my part time employer will terminate me.

What happens with the FAA? Will my full time employer find out? What can I do right now to save my full time job? Turn myself in? Enter a program? Do nothing? Please help.


Asked on 4/13/02, 10:21 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Charles Aspinwall Charles S. Aspinwall, J.D., LLC

Re: repercussions of positive drug test

Many employers will issue a warning the first time a UA is positive for THC. Perhaps it is the result of the ingestion of second-hand smoke. If there has been no incident they are not required to report use to the FFA. Since possession of marijuana is also a criminal offense, you are best advised to say nothing to your full-time employer or the FFA until you see what action, if any, your part-time employer may take. Do not admit to drug use unless you are prepared for your statements to be later used against you. You have a right to remain silent - exercise it.

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Answered on 4/14/02, 2:44 pm


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