HIMS Evaluation
HIMS Evaluation Miami
The HIMS program is an occupational substance abuse treatment program specifically designed for pilots, providing a pathway to recover from alcohol or drug dependence and return to flying duties under FAA supervision.What is the HIMS Program?HIMS stands for Human Intervention Motivation Study. It is a cooperative effort between airline management, pilot unions, healthcare professionals, and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The program recognizes substance dependence as a treatable disease and uses a structured, monitored approach to ensure both pilot recovery and public flight safety.Key Features of the ProgramTo coordinate the identification, treatment, and return-to-work process for pilots, preserving careers and enhancing air safety.Path to Return Enables pilots to return to the cockpit under FAA Special Issuance Regulations (14 CFR 67.401).
Proven Success Boasts a long-term success rate of nearly 90%, with thousands of pilots successfully returned to flying.
How the HIMS Process Works
The process typically follows these steps:
- Identification & Assessment: A pilot enters the program through self-referral, an employer intervention, or a formal referral (e.g., after a DUI). The first step is a substance abuse assessment by a qualified professional.
- Treatment: The pilot undergoes a structured treatment program, which often includes an inpatient component, followed by Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) and heavy involvement in support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA).
- Sponsorship: The pilot works with a peer sponsor (another pilot in recovery) and a company sponsor for ongoing support and accountability.
- Evaluation: After initial treatment, the pilot must complete psychiatric and neuropsychological (P&P) evaluations with FAA-approved specialists to ensure fitness to fly.
- FAA Return & Monitoring: If all evaluations are favorable, the pilot’s Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) submits the case to the FAA for a Special Issuance medical certificate. This certificate comes with a strict monitoring contract, including regular check-ins, aftercare meetings, random testing, and annual evaluations.
The HIMS program demonstrates that with the right support and structure, pilots can successfully manage substance dependence and return safely to their careers.
