What is HIMS?

HIMS is an occupational substance abuse treatment program, specific to pilots, that coordinates the identification, treatment, and return to work process for affected aviators. It is an industry-wide effort in which managers, pilots, healthcare professionals, and the FAA work together to preserve careers and enhance air safety.

Overview

Alcoholism and other chemical dependencies are now recognized as part of a disease process. This disease affects commercial pilots to the same degree that it affects the general population. The HIMS program was established to provide a system whereby afflicted individuals are treated and successfully returned to the cockpit under the FAA Special Issuance Regulations (14 CFR 67.401).

The program is a cooperative one that includes the involvement of company representatives, pilot peer volunteers, healthcare professionals, and FAA medical specialists. While the program borrows heavily from treatment principles developed in both clinical and industrial settings, it has specific elements that reflect the unique nature of the safety-sensitive airline transportation system. Successful HIMS-model programs exist in the U.S., Canada, and other countries around the world.

Use of this Website:

This website has been assembled under the HIMS Program Grant for the use of professional pilots, their families, and friends. It is arranged in sections covering the topic of chemical dependency as it relates to the unique working environment of the professional pilot. Each section is intended to stand alone regarding its subject matter. However, the website menu choices are also arranged to flow in a chronological fashion describing the steps leading to the return to work of the afflicted aviator. Company-specific information on the website is provided as a general service and is maintained by each listed organization.