Originally Posted by
joepilot
My understanding of the rules was that only the flying pilots could be required to take the random drug tests. On one of my flights the check engineer signed off the new guy as OK to solo, and rode in the back on the last leg. Our crew was tagged for a drug test, but the lady with the paperwork said that since the check engineer was not up front, that he did not have to do so. Also, since the newly signed off engineer was not on the list he didn't have to go either. Perhaps this person read the rules wrong, but that is what happened.
Alchohol tests are done between legs at times, perhaps because the breathalyzer should cause no delay (unless it shows positive).
Joe
I don't recall getting tested after a deadhead, but I have been tested on reserve...same principle, I was on duty, not flying, but available to fly.
I could be wrong, but I believe the company gets to decide what status makes you eligible for testing. At an airline with no junior-manning, they might not bother once you are done flying. But if they can JM you, maybe they want to verify you are sober.