Expert: Marc Ebelini - 7/7/2004

Question
I need to know if i can still get my a&p.i am currently a marine i have been working on harriers for 3 1/2 years and i just popped for marijuana on a drug test. and if i can do i need more schooling if so where can i go? thank you

Answer
I have been asked this question before and while I am not a lawyer I can quote the FAR's. I will however inject my feelings on the matter. When pilot under the influence boards a plane his condition should be obvious. However, person going to use the aircraft have no hint that this aircraft may be unsafe because the person working on it was stoned. Since the mechanic will likely not be on board a crash could end getting the mechanic charged with criminal negligent homicide. Here is the regulation. I hope this answers your question?

65.12 Offenses involving alcohol or drugs. (a) A conviction for the violation of any Federal or state statute relating to the growing, processing, manufacture, sale, disposition, possession, transportation, or importation of narcotic drugs, marihuana, or depressant or stimulant drugs or substances is grounds for - (1) Denial of an application for any certificate or rating issued under this part for a period of up to 1 year after the date of final conviction; or (2) Suspension or revocation of any certificate or rating issued under this part. (b) The commission of an act prohibited by 91.19 (a) of this chapter is grounds for - (1) Denial of an application for a certificate or rating issued under this part for a period of up to 1 year after the date of that act; or (2) Suspension or revocation of any certificate or rating issued under this part.