UA.I.C.K2: The consequences of refusing to submit to a drug or alcohol test or to furnish test results.

ACS Area I — Regulations Task C: Remote Pilot Certification with an sUASSmall Unmanned Aircraft SystemCloseA small drone plus the control and communication links used to operate it. Rating References: 14 CFRCode of Federal RegulationsCloseThe federal rulebook where Part 107, Part 89, Part 48, and other aviation rules live. part 107, subpart C; ACAdvisory CircularCloseFAA guidance that explains acceptable ways to comply with rules or understand FAA procedures. 107-2; FAAFederal Aviation AdministrationCloseThe U.S. aviation regulator responsible for Part 107 rules, airspace, and pilot certification processes.-H-8083-25; FAAFederal Aviation AdministrationCloseThe U.S. aviation regulator responsible for Part 107 rules, airspace, and pilot certification processes.-G-8082-22

Key Concepts

What Counts as Refusal under Part 107

Part 107 directly addresses refusal in §107.59. If a law enforcement officer requests an alcohol test “to indicate the percentage by weight of alcohol in the blood” in accordance with §91.17(c), refusing to take that test is covered by §107.59. The rule also covers refusing to “furnish or authorize the release of the test results.” In plain terms, there are two refusal scenarios you must avoid: saying no to a lawful alcohol test request, and declining to provide or authorize release of the test results after such a test has been administered.^[1] While §107.59 specifically references alcohol testing, remember that Part 107 treats drug- and alcohol-related conduct as certification matters (see below), and exam questions often link these topics.

Certification Consequences You Can Face

Part 107 ties alcohol and drug conduct to Remote Pilot certification outcomes. Under §107.57(a), a conviction under any Federal or State drug statute (e.g., narcotic drugs, marijuana, depressants, or stimulants) is grounds for either:

• Denial of an application for a Remote Pilot Certificate with a small UASSmall Unmanned Aircraft SystemCloseA small drone plus the control and communication links used to operate it. rating for up to 1 year after the date of final conviction, or
• Suspension or revocation of a Remote Pilot Certificate with a small UASSmall Unmanned Aircraft SystemCloseA small drone plus the control and communication links used to operate it. rating.^[2]

Separately, §107.57(b) makes “committing an act prohibited by §91.17(a) or §91.19(a)” grounds for the same certification actions—either denial of an application for up to 1 year after the date of that act, or suspension or revocation of the Remote Pilot Certificate. For the test, recognize that:

• §91.17(a) (alcohol rules) and §91.19(a) (drug rules) are specifically cross‑referenced by Part 107 as triggers for certificate action if you commit a prohibited act.^[2]
• The “up to 1 year” timing appears explicitly in §107.57 for both a final conviction under drug statutes and for committing an act prohibited by §91.17(a)/§91.19(a).^[2]

Although §107.59 (refusal) is a separate rule from §107.57 (offenses/acts), both sit within Subpart C—the certification subpart that prescribes requirements for issuing a Remote Pilot Certificate. That placement signals that refusals and alcohol/drug violations are treated as certification issues with potential impacts on your eligibility or your existing certificate.^[3] Bottom line for the exam: refusal under §107.59 and alcohol/drug violations under §107.57 both live in the certification realm and can result in certificate action.

Practical Implications for Remote Pilots

• If a law enforcement officer requests an alcohol test under §91.17(c), cooperate. Saying no—or later refusing to furnish or authorize release of the test results—places you squarely within §107.59. Expect certification ramifications to follow because Part 107 handles these matters in the same subpart that governs your Remote Pilot privileges.^[1][3]
• Avoid any conduct that could be an “act prohibited” by §91.17(a) (alcohol) or §91.19(a) (drugs). Even without a conviction, committing such an act can lead to denial of a new application for up to 1 year from the date of the act, or suspension/revocation of your current Remote Pilot Certificate.^[2]
• Understand the stakes: Your authority to act as remote PICRemote Pilot in CommandCloseThe certificated remote pilot responsible for the Part 107 operation. depends on holding a valid Remote Pilot Certificate. If your certificate is denied, suspended, or revoked due to alcohol/drug issues, you may not act as remote PICRemote Pilot in CommandCloseThe certificated remote pilot responsible for the Part 107 operation. or manipulate the controls except under the limited supervision allowance—and that still requires a qualified remote PICRemote Pilot in CommandCloseThe certificated remote pilot responsible for the Part 107 operation. to be present.^[4] Certification actions therefore directly ground your operations.

Exam tip: Distinguish between (1) refusal scenarios under §107.59 (alcohol test/test results requests by law enforcement under §91.17(c)), and (2) alcohol/drug offenses or prohibited acts under §107.57 referencing §91.17(a) and §91.19(a). Memorize the “up to 1 year” denial period language where it appears in §107.57, and be ready to identify that suspension or revocation are also available certification actions in those cases.^[2]