
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: THURSDAY, September 2, 1993                   TAG: 9309020062
SECTION: NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL                    PAGE: A-8   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: WASHINGTON                                LENGTH: Medium

ALCOHOLISM, DRUG USE AMONG PILOTS DOUBTED

Alcoholism and drug abuse are not big problems among airline pilots and extensive testing probably is unnecessary, the new head of the Federal Aviation Administration said Wednesday.

At a news conference, Administrator David Hinson also said that nearly 5,000 fired air traffic controllers have inquired about reapplying for their old jobs, and some might be rehired.

Hinson also expressed skepticism about reports that air quality in airplanes is unhealthful.

And the former Navy and commercial pilot said he intends to be a hands-on administrator who will continue to do his own flying from time to time to experience the nation's air regulations first hand.

On drug and alcohol use, Hinson said random testing of 10 percent of the pilots probably is a reasonable amount.

"We should deal with it at a minimal level," he said. "There is absolutely no evidence" that alcoholism or drug abuse are problems among pilots.

The FAA now requires random drug tests for 50 percent of workers in safety-sensitive aviation jobs.

There is no rule for alcohol testing, a matter that is under FAA review. But pilots who fly within eight hours of taking a drink or register a blood-alcohol level of 0.04 percent or higher can lose their licenses.

Hinson's views on testing are in line with recommendations by a congressional-presidential commission that issued a report Aug. 19 on the airline and aviation industries.

Hinson, a McDonnell Douglas Corp. executive who once headed Midway Airlines, said he favors eliminating burdensome federal regulations that seek to "micromanage" the airlines.

"I can exercise some mature judgment. I've been around the block," he said. He said he plans no major overhaul of the FAA and intends to make changes cautiously.

Congress has been looking into reports that air quality aboard airplanes is deteriorating.

Hinson said that while the subject should be studied, he had found no evidence airplane air is unsafe: "In fact there is a good argument it's safer than in this room," the average office building or home.

by CNB