Specialty Services

"HIMS" is a term used to describe specialty services required by the FAA for certification consideration in some cases.  There are three types of providers who may be HIMS-Certified:

1. Aviation Medical Examiner (HIMS AME)
2. Neuropsychologist (HIMS Neuropsychologist)  & [Psychologist (HIMS Psychologist)]
3. Psychiatrist (HIMS Psychiatrist)

HIMS-trained providers are authorized (required) to be involved in the event the FAA sends a request that you seek a HIMS provider or HIMS Services for further consideration.

The most common issues for which the FAA requests HIMS evaluations are:

1. Substance Abuse / Dependence
2. Mental Health issues (usually Anxiety and or Depression)

HIMS providers likely also provide non-HIMS services for other issues including (but not limited to):

1. ADHD
2. PTSD
3. Substance Use Evaluations
4. Stroke / Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
5. Developmental and Learning Disorders

The Process varies based on the circumstances and conditions of the individual case but almost always begins with the HIMS AME.

• HIMS AME - The HIMS AME is the "quarterback" of the team and  facilitates/coordinates the entire process.  If nothing else and/or not required by the FAA, the HIMS AME can help you understand the process and can direct you to the providers who can best help.  In cases where they are used/required, the HIMS AME becomes the conduit between the applicant and the FAA.  All documents and reports are directed to the HIMS AME for review, processing, and submission to the FAA.

If the FAA requires Psychiatric and Neuropsychological evaluations (we refer to these as "PNP Evaluations: Psychiatric & NeuroPsychological"), then generally the Neuropsychological evaluation is done first because the Psychiatrist will want to review and incorporate the results of the Neuropsychological evaluation into their Psychiatric evaluation/report.

If the FAA only requires one or the other, work with your HIMS AME to find an appropriate provider and review how your case is likely to progress with the FAA.

Here is a notional flow and timeline as an example of what you might expect for your case utilizing our Integrated Services Package  (your actual case could happen faster or slower depending on a number of variables):

• (T+0: Time Zero is the date the airman receives their letter from the FAA requesting HIMS Services.  The notional timeline starts at T0 and adds the number of weeks from T0)
• T+0 - Airman receives their letter from the FAA requesting HIMS Services.
• T+2  - HIMS AME Services Appointment with a HIMS AME.  It will usually take about 2 weeks to schedule your appointment with a HIMS AME.
• T+6 - HIMS Neuropsychological Evaluation.  From the time you see your HIMS AME and make a plan, it generally takes about 4 weeks to gather up the necessary treatment records,  to have those records and a copy of your FAA file sent to your HIMS AME, and to get on the Neuropsychologist's schedule.  Your HIMS AME will make all of your records available to the Neuropsychologist.
• T+9 - HIMS Psychiatric Evaluation.  Expect it to take 2-3 weeks for the Neuropsychologist to finalize their report and get it to your HIMS AME.  Your HIMS AME will add this report to your other records and share everything with the Psychiatrist for their evaluation.
• T+10 - HIMS AME submits your case to the FAA.  Within a week after the HIMS Psychiatric Evaluation, your HIMS AME should complete their review and submit your package to the FAA.
• T+20 - Airman receives response from the FAA.

There are a limited number of HIMS providers and their specialty services are not inexpensive.  Furthermore, you can expect that these services are not covered by insurance and will be an up-front and out-of-pocket expense for you (there may be exceptions).  Your HIMS AME will provide you with a "financial overview" of what to expect.

The Aviation Family Fund (we have no affiliation nor endorsement) is one resource that may be able to provide financial assistance to those in need.

HIMS stands for "Human Intervention Motivational Study" and is an occupational substance abuse treatment program dedicated to helping commercial pilots coordinate the identification, treatment and return to the cockpit of impaired aviators.  Though the FAA uses the term to identify FAA-designated professionals  to provide the services described above, technically an airman is not in a "HIMS Program" unless they are employed by an airline with a formal HIMS Program.  Airmen may be using HIMS providers, but are not in a HIMS program / HIMS Monitoring unless doing so with their HIMS employer.  The term, however, is used pretty loosely and it is accepted to use "HIMS" when talking about services for applicants not employed by a HIMS airline. 

E-Mail Dr. Davenport HERE.