Overview

What this is: The FAA pathway to certify aviators with a history of alcohol/drug or mental‑health conditions while maintaining safety.

How the FAA thinks: “How likely is recurrence?” and “How serious if it happens?” (safety risk assessment).

What typically helps: Documented stability in recovery, complete records, testing/monitoring, and qualified evaluations.

Info chips: Risk & mitigation • Documentation • Time in stable recovery • Testing & monitoring

Quick Links

Disclaimer: Educational resource. Policies and processes change—always verify current FAA guidance and work with a HIMS‑trained AME.

DUI / Substance Use History

Start here (key references):

• [DUI/DWI Alcohol Incidents Disposition Table]

• [All Disposition Tables]

• [Guide for AMEs] and [Alcohol Event Status Report for the AME]

Abuse vs. Dependence (Title 14 CFR §67.107)
Dependence — only one needed:

• Increased tolerance

• Withdrawal symptoms

• Impaired control of use

• Continued use despite health, social, personal, or occupational harm

Abuse — 2‑year lookback (67.107(4)(b)) includes examples such as:

• Use in physically hazardous situations (e.g., impaired driving), especially with any prior similar instance

• Verified positive DOT drug test

• Other misuse that, in the Federal Air Surgeon’s judgment, makes one unable to perform safely

What the FAA looks for (Risk & Mitigation)
Risk questions: likelihood of recurrence; severity if it recurs.
Common mitigation elements:

• Formal treatment (inpatient or IOP)

• Aftercare group

• Mutual‑help recovery meetings (AA or equivalent)

• Compliance testing (ETG/PEth/hair/nails/Soberlink)

• HIMS psychiatrist evaluation

• Initial neurocognitive assessment

• Documented abstinence & stable recovery

• Step‑down monitoring plan

Checklist — Getting Organized

• [Download FAA Certification Aids – Drug & Alcohol (Initial)]

• [Print your DUI/DWI Disposition Table]

• List prior alcohol/other‑substance events with dates & outcomes

• Identify a HIMS‑trained AME to manage your case ([HIMS AME role PDF])

• Enroll in treatment/aftercare as indicated; start mutual‑help meetings

• Begin documented no‑notice testing per AME plan

• Schedule required psychiatric/psychological evaluations (HIMS‑trained)

• Track abstinence dates; keep a simple recovery log

The HIMS Process — At a Glance

Stages: Identification → Evaluation → Treatment → Mutual Recovery Support Group → Aftercare → No‑Notice Alcohol/Drug Testing → Psychological & Psychiatric Evaluations → Peer Pilot Monitoring → (If employed) Company Pilot Monitoring → HIMS AME oversight

S.T.R.O.N.G. Program Expectations
Sponsor • Three meetings/week • Read the book / work the steps • Own it • Ninety‑in‑Ninety (first 90 days) • Home group • Professional/recovery balance • Address resentments • Healthy outlets (fitness/hobbies) • Growth mindset • Healthy relationships • Aftercare • Monitoring

Formal Treatment Program
A comprehensive program for the dependent pilot: inpatient residential or intensive outpatient; 28+ days typical for dependence; staff familiar with pilots/HIMS; prepares you for life in recovery.
Directories: [NAATP] • [Psychology Today]
Examples cited:
Drug & Alcohol Addiction Treatment Center Maryland | Rehab Baltimore
Brighton Recovery Center (Utah)

Mutual Recovery Support Groups
AA is best known, and there are evidence‑informed alternatives—choose what keeps you honest, connected, and growing.

Programs: [Alcoholics Anonymous] • [Narcotics Anonymous] • [Marijuana Anonymous] • [Cocaine Anonymous] • [Birds of a Feather (aviation)] • [SMART Recovery] • [Women for Sobriety] • [LifeRing] • [SOS (Secular Organizations for Sobriety) Online Groups] • [Recovery Dharma] • [Celebrate Recovery]

No‑Notice Alcohol / Drug Testing
Separate from random DOT testing; coordinate with your HIMS AME. A common baseline is ~14 tests in 12 months with on‑ and off‑duty windows. Modalities may include ETG, PEth, hair/nails, and Soberlink. Each test is one data point—consistency over time matters.

Psychological & Psychiatric Evaluations
Use HIMS‑trained evaluators. Begin once recovery is established and no residual effects of long‑term alcohol use are present. Expect comprehensive history, collateral information, and cognitive screening.

Peer & Company Monitoring
Peer Pilot Monitoring: HIMS‑trained volunteer (ideally in recovery); resource and advocate; holds the pilot accountable; sends concise reports to the HIMS AME.
Company Pilot Monitoring (if employed by an operator): Prefer a HIMS‑trained manager; supports return‑to‑flight; reports to the HIMS AME.

The HIMS AME — Team Lead
Guides the process and sets requirements; collects reports and evaluates progress; builds a working relationship with the pilot; decides when to request return‑to‑flight with the FAA.
[HIMS AME guidance (PDF)]