❓ Frequently Asked Questions

The HIMS Program is a special protocol created by the FAA to evaluate and monitor pilots with a history of substance use or certain mental health conditions.

Typically, pilots with a diagnosis of substance dependence, abuse, or significant mental health concerns may be referred to HIMS by an Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) or employer.

If mandated by the FAA or an employer, participation becomes a requirement for medical certification and employment continuation.

Monitoring can last several years and is often indefinite unless specifically concluded by the FAA.

Yes. Pilots can seek independent evaluations, legal counsel, and appeal FAA determinations through the NTSB.

No. Some are referred for other reasons, such as anxiety, depression, or one-time incidents misinterpreted by employers or evaluators.

Monitoring may include regular drug/alcohol testing, psychiatrist visits, peer support group attendance, and periodic reports to the FAA.

Pilots retain rights to medical privacy, legal appeal, and fair treatment under federal regulations.

Yes, but many pilots report difficulty in being released from monitoring despite years of compliance.

Even one positive result can lead to immediate grounding and re-evaluation, though pilots can challenge results with independent testing or legal action.

Yes. Documented cases exist where lab errors or sample mishandling led to incorrect positive results.

The pilot is typically responsible for all associated costs, which can be significant.

No. There are regional variations in how strictly the program is applied, based on individual AMEs and FAA regional offices.

Only with signed consent. However, pressure to sign these consents can be high.

These are FAA-granted certificates that allow a pilot to fly despite a disqualifying condition, with specific restrictions or monitoring.

The FAA maintains a list of HIMS-qualified AMEs on their website.

You can seek a second opinion from an independent psychiatrist or psychologist and submit a rebuttal to the FAA.

Pilots are often required to attend peer support groups, such as AA or airline-specific recovery groups.

A HIMS Sponsor is typically a senior pilot or captain who mentors and reports on the participant’s recovery progress.

Through unions, online communities, or confidential peer networks advocating for reform and support.

Yes. Many pilots have been placed in monitoring due to a high BAC level, brief antidepressant use, or unverified reports—even without a formal diagnosis of substance use or mental illness. FAA policies allow broad discretion, and there is no independent appeals board.

No. The FAA increasingly applies HIMS-like oversight for mental health conditions, antidepressant use, anxiety, and PTSD—even when pilots have no history of impairment or recurrence.

You may file a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request, seek a second medical opinion, pursue a legal appeal through the NTSB, or submit a complaint to the Office of Special Counsel (OSC). However, meaningful due process remains limited, and we are working to change that.

Yes. Even mild or situational anxiety or depression can lead to significant FAA scrutiny. If you've ever taken SSRIs or mentioned symptoms to a physician, it may be flagged during your medical certification review—even if you're stable and asymptomatic.

The FAA may require you to provide full medical records, a formal psychiatric evaluation, and evidence of “clinical stability.” In some cases, pilots are placed into long-term monitoring even without ongoing symptoms or impairment.

While there's no guaranteed “safe” way under current FAA policy, P4HR is fighting for reform. Many pilots recommend documenting everything, seeking help outside of employer-sponsored care, and consulting an attorney or AME before disclosure.

Yes. Multiple pilots have reported being denied medical certification after disclosing a single session of talk therapy—even when no diagnosis was made. The current system often punishes honesty and discourages early intervention.