For commercial pilots, maintaining a valid medical certificate is not only a requirement but a fundamental part of keeping their career in the air. However, when a pilot faces substance abuse, dependence, or certain mental health challenges, regaining medical certification with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) becomes a more complex process. That’s where the HIMS program and its specially trained medical professionals—HIMS AMEs—come into play.
The Human Intervention Motivation Study (HIMS) is a nationally recognized FAA program designed to help pilots recover from substance-related issues and safely return to the cockpit. Central to this process is the FAA HIMS AME, a designated Aviation Medical Examiner with specialized training and authorization to oversee and guide pilots through recovery, rehabilitation, and the path back to certification.
What Is the HIMS Program?
The HIMS program began in the 1970s as a collaborative initiative between the FAA, airline industry, and pilot unions to address alcohol and drug dependency among pilots. Rather than take a purely punitive approach, HIMS focuses on treatment, monitoring, and structured return-to-duty protocols.
The program emphasizes early intervention, comprehensive recovery, and ongoing monitoring to ensure that pilots are not only sober but fit to fly. It has since evolved to address various mental health conditions that can impact flight safety, including anxiety, depression, and ADHD, in addition to substance use disorders.
Who Are HIMS AMEs?
A FAA HIMS AME (Human Intervention Motivation Study Aviation Medical Examiner) is a physician who has received additional training from the FAA to evaluate and monitor pilots participating in the HIMS program. Unlike standard AMEs who conduct routine flight physicals, HIMS AMEs are involved in more nuanced and long-term medical decision-making.
Their responsibilities include:
-
Conducting in-depth psychiatric and medical evaluations
-
Collaborating with treatment providers and therapists
-
Recommending initial diagnosis and treatment plans
-
Submitting detailed reports and recommendations to the FAA
-
Monitoring ongoing recovery and sobriety through periodic assessments and toxicology testing
-
Determining whether a pilot meets the medical standards to safely return to flight duties
Because of their specialized role, HIMS AMEs serve as a key liaison between the pilot, the FAA, and other involved professionals.
The HIMS Certification Process for Pilots
-
Initial Identification and Grounding
When a substance use issue is identified—whether through self-disclosure, employer referral, or a failed drug test—the pilot is medically grounded and required to surrender their medical certificate. -
Evaluation and Enrollment
The pilot undergoes a comprehensive evaluation by a HIMS AME and potentially other healthcare professionals (such as psychiatrists or addiction specialists). Based on these findings, the pilot is referred to an appropriate treatment program. -
Rehabilitation and Monitoring
After completing treatment, the pilot enters a monitoring phase which typically includes regular meetings, ongoing counseling, and random drug and alcohol testing. The HIMS AME remains closely involved, documenting progress and verifying compliance. -
Application for Special Issuance
Once the pilot demonstrates stable recovery, the HIMS AME submits documentation to the FAA requesting a Special Issuance Medical Certificate. This includes detailed medical history, treatment records, lab results, and an evaluation of the pilot’s fitness to fly. -
FAA Review and Certification
The FAA reviews the submitted documentation and determines whether to reinstate the pilot’s medical certification. If approved, the pilot returns to active duty under continued monitoring, typically for several years.
Why HIMS Works
The HIMS program has one of the highest success rates in occupational recovery programs. Its success is due in large part to the rigorous medical oversight provided by FAA HIMS AMEs, the structured support from employers and unions, and the pilot’s personal commitment to recovery.
The program benefits everyone involved:
-
Pilots regain their careers and health
-
Employers retain trained and experienced staff
-
The FAA and public are assured of safety through careful evaluation and monitoring
Moreover, the existence of the HIMS program reduces the stigma around seeking help, encouraging pilots to come forward without fear of career-ending consequences.
When to See a HIMS AME
Pilots who face issues with alcohol, prescription drug misuse, illicit drug use, or certain psychiatric conditions that affect their ability to hold a medical certificate should consult a HIMS AME as early as possible. Early involvement increases the likelihood of successful recovery and smoother navigation through FAA protocols.
Even pilots who are unsure whether their condition qualifies for HIMS involvement can benefit from an initial consultation. FAA HIMS AMEs are uniquely equipped to guide pilots through the process with professionalism, empathy, and FAA compliance in mind.
For pilots facing serious medical or substance-related challenges, recovery doesn’t have to mean the end of a flying career. Through the structured guidance of the HIMS program and the support of a qualified FAA HIMS AME, pilots can safely return to the skies with renewed health and purpose.
Whether you’re a pilot seeking help or an employer supporting one, understanding the role of the HIMS AME is essential in navigating this path with clarity and confidence.