The first step in getting help is recognizing there is a problem.

Confidentially discussing your situation with a knowledgeable person is a great way to get started.  This discussion will help you clearly define the issues and the available options.

There are several confidential resources available to assist you:

• Contact your union HIMS representative for information on resources and specific policies for your airline and organization.
• ALPA members can also access information through the http://www.alpa.org website.  Log in and refer to your airline’s HIMS committee roster for contact information.  Or, log in, click on Committees, click on HIMS in the Pilot Assistance section, and click on the photo to send an email to HIMS.
• Contact an expert aeromedical physician at Aviation Medicine Advisory Service (720) 857-6117, Monday-Friday 0830-1600 MT

REGARDLESS OF WHOM YOU CONTACT, IT’S IMPORTANT TO ACTIVELY SEEK HELP FOR YOURSELF OR SOMEONE YOU CARE ABOUT.

Assessments and Treatments

There are a number of substance abuse assessment and treatment options available. Generally, thorough multi-disciplinary assessments will give a better indication of the presence and progression of the disease. Which type of assessment is satisfactory for your circumstances will depend on several factors, including FAA or company involvement and available financial support. Your airline’s HIMS/Pilot Assistance Committee or Employee Assistance Program resource will have the most current and complete information to assist you. Pilots should consult with their HIMS representative to insure any assessment is conducted by a professional trained in FAA standards and acceptable to the company.

There are also a variety of treatment options available. Most companies have associations with particular treatment providers and using such providers can help limit insurance or financing problems.  In general, these providers will offer a 28-day treatment program. The FAA considers a 28-day treatment program the gold standard and highly desirable, although in rare cases, alternative may be acceptable. See Treatment for more information.

Recovery and Monitoring

Following treatment, each pilot will begin the process of FAA medical re-certification.  How long this process takes varies considerably depending on each pilot’s particular circumstances. However, a description of a “normal" minimum timeline is available here.

If you have additional questions or require additional guidance, please contact us.