Spirit Airlines has issued a statement defending its drug and alcohol testing of flight crew.
The low cost carrier responded after Spirit pilot Brian Halye, 36 and his wife were found dead in their Ohio home after an apparent overdose.
Although there has been some scrutiny in the media over Halye’s safety critical job as a commercial pilot, there is no suggestion he ever flew while under the influence.
Still, the airline responded with a written statement to reassure customers.
"Spirit Airlines is required by federal regulations to operate with the highest degree of safety. The DOT and FAA regulations require that the airline conduct various drug and alcohol tests on all safety-sensitive employees including pilots, flight attendants, mechanics and dispatchers," said spokesman Paul Berry.
"These tests include, but are not limited to, pre-employment, random and reasonable suspicion drug and alcohol testing. Spirit Airlines is fully compliant with these DOT and FAA regulations.
Spirit has implemented programs that go above and beyond mandatory requirements, it said.
These are ‘designed to detect, report and assist employees with potential life challenges,’ it said.
"In the event that someone in a safety sensitive position tests positive, they would be immediately removed from their position."
