HUMAN INTERVENTION MOTIVATION STUDY.
The HIMS program is a collaboration between air carriers, pilot associations, and the FAA to identify, treat, and return to the cockpit those Pilots diagnosed with substance abuse or dependence. For over thirty years the HIMS program has saved lives, families, and careers, with a success rate that is the envy of other recovery programs for professionals.
HIMS (Human Intervention Motivation Study)
To succeed in the HIMS program, the Pilot must commit themselves to recovery and abstinence for the rest of their career. The HIMS program is demanding, but if you are serious about treating this disease first, and getting back the the cockpit second, we will work with you.
We understand that not all pilots receive financial support while in early recovery. Because of this, we offer flexible payment plans for those who need it seeking initial re-certification.
Mission
The purpose of the HIMS program is to effectively treat the disease of chemical dependency in pilot populations in order to save lives and careers while enhancing flight safety. The HIMS concept is based on a cooperative and mutually supportive relationship between pilots, their management, and the FAA. Trained managers and peer pilots interact to identify and, in many cases, conduct an intervention to direct the troubled individual to a substance abuse professional for a diagnostic evaluation. If deemed medically necessary, treatment is then initiated. Following successful treatment and comprehensive continuing care, the pilot is eligible to seek FAA medical re-certification.
The FAA requires the pilot to be further evaluated by a specially trained FAA Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) who then acts as the Independent Medical Sponsor (IMS) to coordinate the FAA re-certification process. The medical sponsor provides oversight of the pilot’s continuing care. This care includes a monthly interview by a trained flight manager and by a pilot peer committee member, as well as periodic follow-up observations. Because of the relapse potential of chemical dependency, the monitoring will typically continue for several years after the pilot resumes his duties. The HIMS program is designed to ensure the pilot maintains total abstinence and to protect flight safety.