FAA HIMS Program - Frequently Asked Questions
Get expert answers to the most common questions about the FAA HIMS program, pilot medical certification, treatment requirements, costs, timeline, and successful program completion. Updated for 2025.
What is the FAA HIMS Program?
The FAA HIMS (Human Intervention Motivation Study) Program is the Federal Aviation Administration's comprehensive structured approach to evaluating and monitoring airmen with substance abuse issues. The program provides a clear pathway for pilots to regain their medical certificates through approved treatment, demonstrated sustained recovery, ongoing monitoring, and progressive return to flight operations while maintaining aviation safety standards.
How long does the HIMS program take?
HIMS program duration varies by individual circumstances but typically spans 2-5 years from initial evaluation to standard medical certification. The timeline includes: Initial HIMS AME evaluation and treatment planning (1-2 months), completion of FAA-approved residential or outpatient treatment program (3-12 months), active monitoring phase with regular testing and evaluations (12-36 months), gradual return to flight operations with special issuance, progressive reduction in monitoring requirements, and eventual transition to standard medical certificate with continued recovery maintenance.
Who can participate in the HIMS program?
The HIMS program is available to commercial and private pilots, flight engineers, air traffic controllers, and other aviation certificate holders who have substance abuse issues affecting medical certification eligibility. Participation is determined by FAA medical standards, comprehensive evaluation by HIMS-approved Aviation Medical Examiners, substance use assessment by qualified professionals, and willingness to comply fully with all program requirements including complete abstinence, treatment, monitoring, and ongoing recovery participation throughout program duration.
What are the costs of the HIMS program?
HIMS program costs vary significantly based on treatment intensity, program duration, and individual circumstances. Typical expenses include: Initial HIMS AME consultation and evaluation ($500-2,000), comprehensive psychological and medical assessment ($1,000-3,000), FAA-approved residential treatment program ($15,000-50,000+), intensive outpatient program alternative ($3,000-10,000), ongoing monitoring services ($200-500 per month), random drug and alcohol testing ($50-200 per test, typically 2-4 monthly), periodic HIMS AME follow-up evaluations ($300-800 each), continuing care and aftercare programs ($100-300 monthly), and related travel expenses. Total HIMS investment typically ranges $20,000-75,000 over full program duration. Many facilities accept insurance and offer financing options.
What is a HIMS AME?
A HIMS AME (Aviation Medical Examiner) is an FAA-designated physician with specialized training, certification, and extensive experience in evaluating and monitoring pilots in the HIMS program. HIMS AMEs have expertise in substance abuse disorders, addiction medicine, aviation medical certification requirements, and FAA procedures. They conduct initial comprehensive evaluations, provide ongoing monitoring throughout program participation, submit required reports to FAA Aerospace Medical Certification Division, serve as medical advocate for pilots, and guide participants through all phases of HIMS program toward successful medical certificate reinstatement and career restoration.
Can I continue flying during the HIMS program?
Flight status during HIMS participation depends on individual circumstances, FAA determination, and program phase. Initially, pilots typically cannot exercise flight privileges until completing treatment, demonstrating sustained abstinence, and receiving FAA approval. As pilots progress through HIMS and meet specific milestones, they become eligible for FAA special issuance medical certificates with monitoring requirements, allowing gradual supervised return to flight operations. Return typically begins with restricted operations, progressively expanding toward full duties as recovery is demonstrated and monitoring requirements decrease. Timeline for return varies but commonly occurs 12-24 months after program entry with proper compliance.
What treatment is required in HIMS?
HIMS participants must complete treatment at an FAA-approved substance abuse facility meeting specific standards. Treatment typically includes: Comprehensive medical and psychological assessment by qualified professionals, evidence-based therapy programs (CBT, motivational interviewing, relapse prevention), individual counseling sessions addressing underlying issues, group therapy with peer support, education about addiction neuroscience and recovery, development of comprehensive relapse prevention strategies, family involvement and education when appropriate, introduction to 12-step or alternative recovery programs, detailed aftercare planning for ongoing support, and comprehensive discharge summary meeting FAA documentation requirements for medical certification review.
What are the testing requirements?
HIMS participants undergo regular comprehensive random drug and alcohol testing throughout program duration. Testing requirements include: Unannounced random testing through FAA-approved laboratories with strict chain of custody, immediate response to testing notifications (typically within 24 hours), testing frequency determined by program phase (commonly 2-4 times monthly initially, reducing with sustained compliance), expanded testing panels including alcohol biomarkers (EtG, EtS, PEth), periodic hair follicle testing for extended detection windows, observed collection procedures when clinically indicated, comprehensive documentation of all testing results, and immediate reporting of any testing issues or complications to HIMS AME for proper documentation and FAA reporting.
Will my employer find out about HIMS?
FAA medical certification records are confidential protected health information under HIPAA regulations. However, pilots have legal and contractual obligations to report certain medical conditions and certification status to employers under company policies, union agreements, and FAA regulations. Each pilot should carefully review employment contracts, union agreements, and company medical policies, consult with aviation employment attorneys to understand specific reporting obligations and rights, communicate appropriately with employer representatives and chief pilots, and understand that proper handling of employment aspects is critical for career protection throughout HIMS participation and medical certification restoration process.
What is the HIMS program success rate?
Pilots who complete the HIMS program and maintain full compliance with all requirements have high success rates for medical certificate reinstatement and successful return to flight operations. Studies and long-term program data suggest success rates exceeding 85-90% for pilots who remain actively engaged throughout full program duration, maintain complete abstinence, comply with all monitoring and testing requirements, participate actively in treatment and aftercare, maintain open transparent communication with HIMS AME, stay connected to recovery support community, and demonstrate sustained commitment to recovery and aviation safety. Success depends heavily on pilot engagement, quality support systems, and ongoing recovery maintenance beyond minimum program requirements.
Can I self-report to the HIMS program?
Yes, pilots can and should self-report substance abuse concerns to initiate HIMS program participation proactively. Self-reporting typically provides significantly better outcomes than reporting prompted by incidents, failed tests, or employer actions. Pilots considering self-reporting should: Consult confidentially with HIMS-approved AME before taking action, understand the complete process, timeline, and implications, possibly consult aviation attorney for guidance on employment implications, prepare for temporary loss of flight privileges during program, and understand that early voluntary intervention typically results in more favorable FAA consideration, potentially shorter program timelines, better career outcomes, and demonstrates responsibility and commitment to aviation safety that benefits long-term career prospects.
What support is available during HIMS?
HIMS participants have access to comprehensive multi-faceted support resources including: Network of experienced HIMS-approved Aviation Medical Examiners providing medical guidance throughout program, certified substance abuse professionals specializing in aviation professionals, peer support groups specifically for pilots and aviation professionals, experienced HIMS program graduates serving as mentors and guides, aviation-focused recovery meetings and online communities, pilot assistance programs through major airlines and unions, aviation employment attorneys for career and legal guidance, family support and education programs, professional online forums where pilots share experiences and provide mutual support, and 24/7 access to recovery resources and emergency support throughout complete HIMS journey ensuring comprehensive assistance for successful program completion and career restoration.
Have More Questions About the FAA HIMS Program?
Connect with experienced aviation professionals, HIMS-approved AMEs, certified substance abuse professionals, and pilots who have successfully navigated the complete HIMS program. Our professional community provides detailed answers, real-world insights, treatment facility recommendations, AME referrals, and ongoing support for every stage of your HIMS journey from initial evaluation through medical certificate reinstatement and long-term career success with sustained recovery.