Alcohol, Antidepressants and the FAA

Ian Blair Fries

Friday, November 04, 2011 at 11:12 PM ET

Verified

** How the FAA evaluates substance abuse
has changed substantially in recent years.**

Key Takeaways:

The FAA has significantly intensified its evaluation and certification procedures for pilots with alcohol or drug issues, eliminating past leniency and requiring extensive documentation, substance abuse evaluations, and often participation in the HIMS program, especially for high blood alcohol concentrations (BACs) or test refusals.
New pathways exist for pilots using certain antidepressant medications to gain or maintain certification, either by successfully discontinuing the medication or by obtaining a special issuance under strict monitoring on one of four approved SSRIs, which involves HIMS AME evaluation and neurocognitive testing.
The Human Intervention and Motivation Study (HIMS) program is now a central, intensive, and lengthy process for pilots seeking to regain or maintain certification after substance abuse or, in specific cases, while on certain antidepressants, emphasizing long-term monitoring, abstinence, or medication stability.

See a mistake? Contact us.

(November 2011) Federal aviation regulations have not changed, but the procedures the FAA uses to evaluate and certify pilots with alcohol and drug issues, and those on certain antidepressant medications, have changed substantially in the past three years. Pilots with such issues are unpleasantly surprised when confronted by FAA procedures and probably would have chosen a different course if forewarned. Here is what you need to know.

Operation of Motor Vehicle While Impaired
The FAA now scrutinizes each alcohol-related event. There is no free pass for the first or second event as in the past. If you are implicated operating a motor vehicle — yes, a boat qualifies — while under the influence of alcohol, you must within 60 days notify the FAA Security and Investigations Division (AMC-700).