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:

FAA procedures for pilots with alcohol and drug issues are significantly stricter, eliminating prior leniency, requiring mandatory reporting for motor vehicle impairment, and leading to comprehensive evaluations or HIMS program participation even for first offenses, particularly with high BAC levels.
The HIMS (Human Intervention and Motivation Study) program is a mandatory, lengthy, and intensive process for pilots seeking to regain certification after substance abuse, involving residential rehabilitation, extensive monitoring, and unwavering abstinence.
Pilots with mild to moderate depression on specific antidepressant medications (Prozac, Lexapro, Zoloft, Celexa) can now achieve special issuance certification under strict conditions, including stable medication for a year, neurocognitive evaluation, and ongoing monitoring by a HIMS AME.

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).