FAA HIMS Program

Who Does AEROPath Support?

AEROPath is designed for all pilots currently subject to FAA psychiatric oversight—whether due to alcohol or drug use, SSRI or mental health history, or non-diagnostic referral. Our goal is to replace the punitive, opaque nature of current monitoring with a transparent, science-based process.

What is AEROPath?

AEROPath stands for Aviation Evaluation & Recovery Oversight Pathway. It is a pilot-centered, science-based alternative to the FAA HIMS program. Developed to preserve both safety and dignity, AEROPath eliminates unnecessary lifetime oversight and introduces clinical independence, fairness, and streamlined processes. This model reduces stigma, respects autonomy, and focuses on long-term wellness over coercion.

The AEROPath Recovery Path

1. Entry & Evaluation
2. Stabilization & Treatment
3. Early Monitoring & Return to Duty
4. Full Reinstatement

AEROPath Phase Breakdown (Detailed)

Entry & Evaluation (Months 0–2)

• Goal: Establish baseline clinical status and individualized recovery plan.
• Includes: Substance use, psychiatric, and neurocognitive evaluations; records review; plan development.
• Achieved by: Completing third-party evaluations and developing a recovery roadmap. FAA is only informed of enrollment.

Stabilization & Treatment (Months 2–6)

• Goal: Begin formal recovery and demonstrate early stability.
• Includes: Treatment if required, abstinence monitoring, advisor pairing.
• Achieved by: Completing treatment (if needed), maintaining 60–90 days of sobriety, and securing advisor progress reports.

Early Monitoring & Return to Duty (Months 6–18)

• Goal: Pilot resumes flying with limited oversight while proving consistency.
• Includes: Return to flying duties under restricted medical; regular testing and advisor check-ins.
• Achieved by: 100% compliance, clean test record, stable advisor reports. FAA is contacted only for emergencies.

Mid-Program Review (~Month 18)

• Goal: Evaluate overall progress and determine readiness for reduced oversight.
• Includes: Comprehensive review of test results, behavior, and advisor notes. Optional psychological reassessment.
• Achieved by: Minimum 12-month clean streak, full compliance, stable health and work history, team consensus on readiness.

Tiered Step-Down (Months 18–30)

• Goal: Gradually reduce monitoring while sustaining long-term recovery.
• Includes: Reduced testing/check-ins; documentation of wellness and independence.
• Achieved by: Clean results, behavioral consistency, continued stability without external intervention.

Full Reinstatement (~Month 30)

• Goal: Exit program and receive unrestricted first-class medical certificate.
• Includes: Final completion review and FAA endorsement of program graduation.
• Achieved by: Full compliance, 24+ months of abstinence, positive endorsements, FAA sign-off.

AEROPath Recovery Timeline

The graphic below shows a typical progression for pilots enrolled in the AEROPath program:

Relapse Protocols and Safety Policy

If a relapse occurs during participation in the AEROPath program, the following structured response plan applies:

1. Detection or Self-Reporting: The relapse may be self-disclosed or identified through toxicology or behavioral reporting.
2. Immediate Safety Hold: The pilot is temporarily removed from active flying duties while safety considerations are reviewed.
3. Independent Reevaluation: A new or repeat assessment is conducted by an independent professional or team.
4. Plan Adjustment: A revised recovery plan may include additional support, advisor engagement, or renewed treatment if appropriate.
5. Progress Preservation: Pilots who have made significant progress may reenter the program at a modified stage based on clinical guidance.
6. FAA Notification Threshold: The FAA is informed only if the relapse presents a direct safety risk or violation of legal certification requirements.
7. Reentry and Monitoring: The pilot resumes participation under enhanced monitoring until stability is reestablished.

In the event of relapse, AEROPath responds with clinical care—not punishment. The pilot is expected to self-report, triggering a reassessment and revised recovery plan. FAA involvement is only necessary when public safety is at risk. The program understands that relapse may occur and views honest disclosure as a sign of integrity, not failure.

While AEROPath is designed to support lasting recovery, it recognizes the clinical reality of relapse. A relapse is not considered an automatic failure. The following actions are taken if a relapse occurs:

This system ensures accountability while protecting pilot privacy, dignity, and long-term success.

Pilot-Managed Oversight Model

Unlike HIMS, AEROPath emphasizes pilot ownership of the process. The pilot, not an employer or HIMS AME, serves as the primary liaison with the FAA. Compliance documents are maintained by the pilot, and advisors are only required to contact the FAA in the event of a true safety concern. This reduces bureaucratic overhead and restores a respectful dynamic.

AEROPath shifts the structure of oversight to prioritize direct accountability and personal responsibility:

This design reduces adversarial dynamics and supports respectful communication and transparency.

Challenges & Responses

Below are common concerns raised about the AEROPath model and the responses grounded in its structure and intent:

• Challenge: "Is this less safe than HIMS?"
  Response: No. AEROPath preserves all safety-critical monitoring (toxicology, flight readiness, behavioral oversight) while reducing administrative overreach. It enhances trust and accountability by focusing on outcomes, not bureaucracy.
• Challenge: "Won’t pilots just hide relapse without employer oversight?"
  Response: Relapse self-reporting protocols are in place, and the threat of losing trust and eligibility creates a natural safeguard. FAA is still notified if safety is compromised.
• Challenge: "Is it too soft or pilot-favoring?"
  Response: AEROPath is not lenient—it is clinically aligned and data-driven. The model is designed around objective recovery science, not subjective suspicion or coercive control.
• Challenge: "Who determines when a pilot is safe?"
  Response: Independent licensed professionals (evaluators, treatment specialists) determine readiness, documented in reports reviewed by FAA medical officers.
• Challenge: "How can this be implemented nationwide?"
  Response: AEROPath is built to integrate with FAA’s existing Special Issuance framework with minor procedural shifts. It can operate as an alternative track pilot-selectable during certification review.

AEROPath vs. FAA HIMS: Key Differences