Was denied medical for Alcohol Dependenc
09-13-2015, 07:55 AM
#1
Gets Weekends Off
Thread Starter
Joined APC: Nov 2014
Posts: 137
Was denied medical for Alcohol Dependenc
About 5 years ago I wrecked my car while intoxicated. Obviously my medical was revoked. The charges were eventually dropped to reckless operation.
After the wreck I realized I had a problem and didn't even pursue getting my medical back. I decided to work on myself and getting sober. I checked into a 28 day program and have been active in AA. I've been sober since the incident. I honestly didn't know if I'd ever go back to flying but it's in my blood and I've decided to try to get back into it.
I went to an AME and of course it was deferred which I expected. The FAA then sent a letter requesting all sorts of documentation. I sent in everything they requested. I just received another letter saying that my medical was denied and that I am required to go see a HIMS AME. I have no problem jumping through these hoops but issue is that there are no HIMS AMEs within reasonable driving distance from my home. The nearest one is almost a 5 hour drive away. I can't simply take off work whenever the HIMS guy decides he needs to see me.
Where do I go from here?
Thanks in advance
After the wreck I realized I had a problem and didn't even pursue getting my medical back. I decided to work on myself and getting sober. I checked into a 28 day program and have been active in AA. I've been sober since the incident. I honestly didn't know if I'd ever go back to flying but it's in my blood and I've decided to try to get back into it.
I went to an AME and of course it was deferred which I expected. The FAA then sent a letter requesting all sorts of documentation. I sent in everything they requested. I just received another letter saying that my medical was denied and that I am required to go see a HIMS AME. I have no problem jumping through these hoops but issue is that there are no HIMS AMEs within reasonable driving distance from my home. The nearest one is almost a 5 hour drive away. I can't simply take off work whenever the HIMS guy decides he needs to see me.
Where do I go from here?
Thanks in advance
09-13-2015, 07:08 PM
#2
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Feb 2009
Posts: 264
First off, great job realizing you had issues and getting into recovery. Second, you will have to absolutely, unequivocally, see a HIMS AME in order to get your medical back. The HIMS AME will act as a sponsor to the FAA on your behalf.
Check out HIMS Program thoroughly. If you comply, you will get your medical back. I would suggest calling the HIMS AME and openly discussing your situation. The most you will have to see him is once a month, the least will be twice a year.
Good Luck.
Check out HIMS Program thoroughly. If you comply, you will get your medical back. I would suggest calling the HIMS AME and openly discussing your situation. The most you will have to see him is once a month, the least will be twice a year.
Good Luck.
09-13-2015, 07:30 PM
#3
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Aug 2014
Posts: 104
Congratulations on admitting to your problem with alcohol and taking actions to improve yourself and your life.
Here is some guidance from someone who is also in recovery with an extensive background in a HIMS program at a major airline.
As pilots in HIMS, we have been diagnosed with a condition that normally prevents us from holding a medical certificate at all. Prior to 1976, there was no HIMS program. You were just grounded if you were diagnosed with a drug or alcohol problem. So the #1 suggestion is to be grateful for the opportunity to pursue a medical again at all.
With this diagnosis and opportunity comes additional responsibility. It's up to US to prove to the HIMS physicians, monitors, and the FAA that we are sober and fit to fly. We have to be willing to do whatever it takes, just as AA's 12 steps require honesty, open-mindedness, and WILLINGNESS.
I realize it may be inconvenient for you to drive 5 hours to a HIMS physician. But that is the exact sort of sacrifice that pilots in HIMS have to make regularly to keep our medical certificate. Each of us has some unique circumstances regarding our challenges such as geographic separation from HIMS resources, but rest assured that ALL of the pilots in HIMS are challenged like this in one way or another. You aren't unique. I myself have logged countless hours every year driving to HIMS-related appointments and AA meetings. My monitoring psychiatrist is half a day's drive away, but I know pilots who must fly to reach their appointments. It's just what we have to do.
And truth be known is that the FAA doesn't care, really. They just want to know you're sober and in recovery. So if you really want to pursue a HIMS Special Issuance, it's up to you to do whatever it takes.
I know, I sound harsh, but this is the reality of the HIMS program as I have experienced it firsthand. But welcome aboard. Strap-in and get ready for a ride.
The good news for you is that you will probably be given a limited number of years of monitoring, based on what you've told me. Three to five years is probably what I would expect. I know quite a few pilots who are being monitored for "life". I'm one of them.
Besides adjusting your attitude about what is in front of you, there might be a few alternatives. Search again for a HIMS physician that is closer to you. Or consider relocating closer a community with better HIMS support. Barring either of those, you're just stuck with the long drive ... or giving up your dream of returning to the cockpit.
Best wishes in navigating the HIMS program and I truly hope it works out for you. It's not easy but it can be done. Regardless, it will take fortitude and perseverance to reach your goals but stick with your dream and don't give up.
Here is some guidance from someone who is also in recovery with an extensive background in a HIMS program at a major airline.
As pilots in HIMS, we have been diagnosed with a condition that normally prevents us from holding a medical certificate at all. Prior to 1976, there was no HIMS program. You were just grounded if you were diagnosed with a drug or alcohol problem. So the #1 suggestion is to be grateful for the opportunity to pursue a medical again at all.
With this diagnosis and opportunity comes additional responsibility. It's up to US to prove to the HIMS physicians, monitors, and the FAA that we are sober and fit to fly. We have to be willing to do whatever it takes, just as AA's 12 steps require honesty, open-mindedness, and WILLINGNESS.
I realize it may be inconvenient for you to drive 5 hours to a HIMS physician. But that is the exact sort of sacrifice that pilots in HIMS have to make regularly to keep our medical certificate. Each of us has some unique circumstances regarding our challenges such as geographic separation from HIMS resources, but rest assured that ALL of the pilots in HIMS are challenged like this in one way or another. You aren't unique. I myself have logged countless hours every year driving to HIMS-related appointments and AA meetings. My monitoring psychiatrist is half a day's drive away, but I know pilots who must fly to reach their appointments. It's just what we have to do.
And truth be known is that the FAA doesn't care, really. They just want to know you're sober and in recovery. So if you really want to pursue a HIMS Special Issuance, it's up to you to do whatever it takes.
I know, I sound harsh, but this is the reality of the HIMS program as I have experienced it firsthand. But welcome aboard. Strap-in and get ready for a ride.
The good news for you is that you will probably be given a limited number of years of monitoring, based on what you've told me. Three to five years is probably what I would expect. I know quite a few pilots who are being monitored for "life". I'm one of them.
Besides adjusting your attitude about what is in front of you, there might be a few alternatives. Search again for a HIMS physician that is closer to you. Or consider relocating closer a community with better HIMS support. Barring either of those, you're just stuck with the long drive ... or giving up your dream of returning to the cockpit.
Best wishes in navigating the HIMS program and I truly hope it works out for you. It's not easy but it can be done. Regardless, it will take fortitude and perseverance to reach your goals but stick with your dream and don't give up.
09-16-2015, 05:15 AM
#4
Gets Weekends Off
Thread Starter
Joined APC: Nov 2014
Posts: 137
Thanks for the responses guys. I've spoken with the HIMS AME and it's not nearly as bad as I had expected. I thought I would have to drive 2 or 3 times a month to see him so he could monitor me before I was granted a medical certificate. After speaking with him it appears that it will relatively painless. An initial meeting and then follow his recommendations and then a meeting with him every six months for evaluation.
Hopefully soon I'll be back in the cockpit!
Hopefully soon I'll be back in the cockpit!
04-21-2017, 11:45 AM
#6
New Hire
Joined APC: Apr 2017
Posts: 1
Howdy,
I'm in the same situation as you, but I received a DUI on a motorcycle and blew double the legal limit. This obviously led me down the path to see a HIMS AME. The FAA is currently reviewing my doctors letter of counseling. I was curious to see how your HIMS process went. Did the FAA give you a special issuance certificate yet? I'm asking because I want to know what to expect for the upcoming year I have to be monitored. Thanks!
I'm in the same situation as you, but I received a DUI on a motorcycle and blew double the legal limit. This obviously led me down the path to see a HIMS AME. The FAA is currently reviewing my doctors letter of counseling. I was curious to see how your HIMS process went. Did the FAA give you a special issuance certificate yet? I'm asking because I want to know what to expect for the upcoming year I have to be monitored. Thanks!
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