For most of my life I’ve dreamt of being a airline pilot and wanted to pursue an avionics career. Until recently I wasn’t aware of the medical requirements for an FAA Medical 1 exam or for really all three. My question today is… how strict is the FAA on a past suicide attempt? I was around the age of 15 when I tried to hang myself and was sent to the hospital for 2 weeks, however when I got back I never took medication and my life it’s incredibly different from then. I’m now almost 21 and I’m nervous about the possibility of disqualification. Also a side note I’m seriously allergic to peanuts and I also saw that was on the medical exam. Any advise would be helpful thanks
John,
I honestly have no idea how the FAA would look at such an event. The best thing you could do would be to set up an appointment with an FAA medical examiner and discuss the issue with them. Sorry, I wish I could be of more help.
Chris
John,
As Chris said, there’s nothing that we can say or do in this kind of
situation. Be honest when filling out your application and be prepared for
a lot of follow up questions. I would also start gathering all of your
medical records pertaining to your concerns. Bring them with you to your
appointment. If there is a HIMS (Human Intervention Motivation Study) AME
near you, I would schedule your appointment with them. If not, start with a
regular AME and then follow any instructions they give you.
Here is a link to search for nearby AMEs. It works best on a laptop, Mac or
PC.
https://www.faa.gov/pilots/amelocator/
Feel free to DM me if you would like to have a private conversation. I’m
very familiar with the process.
Tory
Look at AOPAs higher end memberships and make that small investment. The higher end ones (top $189/yr) include a review of medical by an aviation lawyer, and you can ask them specific questions like this.
That is the best person to ask before going to the FAA examiner where nothing is private.
Hope this helps,
Chris
1 Like
Hey Tory,
Is it possible to send me a private message, I’m trying to send you one but it saying I’m not allowed to send to this user. Sorry for the mixup I need some insight with my situation.
Thank you
Renato
Renato,
We don’t have that capability. What’s your question? Happy to help.
Tory
Tory,
Ah understood.
I wanted to some advice/knowledge on the HIMS program. My situation is that I had a DUI 2 years ago and it wasn’t a misdemeanor no a felony. I applied for my medical and got back the expected response of requiring more documents so that the FAA can review my situation and if I have substance abuse. I wasn’t mandated from the court to fulfill any out patient program or any AA meetings. I blew a .17. I joined an out patient program/AA meetings voluntarily to show good faith to the judge that I in fact do not have any issue with alcohol or anything of that matter. I passed the program as expected and everything in my court case was resolved very quickly.
Now I spoke to a HIMS doctor, here in New York, and he explained to me that it would cost about 600$ an hour to see him and be evaluated. I tried to ask as many questions but I was given the feeling that he didn’t want to give much info out and just get me in. I also got the hint that it would be a lengthy process as well. I’m a little confused as to how this all pans out. I’m a little confused as to how it would be a lengthy process if I’ve already been declared by special programs and approved by the courts.
My biggest issue or worry is that this will in fact be a lengthy process.
Thank you,
Renato
Renato,
Sorry to but in but I have to ask where are you in the whole pilot program? Are you working as a pilot? Are you a student? A prospective students? If you’re not currently working as a pilot and if this is your only offense I’m not sure why you think you’d need a HIMS Dr at this point?
Adam
Adam,
Feel free to always but in haha you guys are the mentors, I’m ready to learn all that I can from whomever I can. It is my only offense. I am not sure as to why I’d have to enroll in such an intense program, that being said I do understand that it’s the FAA duty to protect the public and make sure no alcoholics are flying out there. So I’m totally understanding, this is where my confusion comes into play. I’m not sure if the examiner is going to have to decide wether I go into a program or only assess me?
Renato
To answer your question: I am currently 13 hours in my private pilot course. I’m doing really well according to my instructor and at a faster pace than average. When I did my medical, I had just received a letter from the FAA regarding further investigation towards my DUI. In the letter it says that because I blew .17, they want me to see a HIMS examiner.
Renato,
I was asking because HIMS recommendations traditionally come after multiple issues (or if you’re currently employed as a pilot), but since that .17 is over twice the legal limit I can see the concern. $600 def isn’t cheap and perhaps that’s the going rate (I don’t know?) but it sounds like if the FAA wants it you have to.
Adam
Adam,
Well it says the following: “…please submit the copies of a current evaluation which includes a detailed narrative from a certified substance abuse specialist in accordance with the enclosed guidelines ( a bunch of topics they want to specifically ask to me). Please note that evaluation must address your complete alcohol related history of usage and all offenses, and should include copies of all testing performed with a final diagnosis.”
“If you are required to provide an evaluation as stipulated… we suggest that you consider contacting a HIMS or AME in your area for assistance in pursuing the appropriate health care professional to provide the evaluation.”
So I guess reading it over a million times, it sounds like maybe I don’t need the program and just an evaluation?
What are your thoughts?
Renato
Renato,
First off I’m no expert BUT if it were me, based on the language, I would ask the AME who performed your exam in the first place, if an eval from your regular physician would suffice? If he says yes that could be an option.
The HIMS program is actually a very successful and positive program that’s had tremendous results for people will substance abuse problems. I know you say that’s not you (and I’m not saying it is) BUT keep in mind that literally EVERYONE who does have issues swears they don’t, which is why the FAA recommends a consult.
Adam
Adam,
I will most definitely talk to him tomorrow (Thursday) first chance I get (my AME).
I totally get that paradox, but I have done a program already voluntarily to show the judge that I do not have any substance issue and that I will not be a negative factor in the future. Everything came out great and I was told that was a great plus. That’s why I was wondering if that prior evaluation would suffice? I guess I’ll ask my AME as well.
Thanks,
Renato Pezzulo
Renato,
Most likely the FAA will want to see a current (key word) evaluation from a HIMS AME.
Tory
Renato,
We are not qualified to answer any medical related questions on this forum. You need to work with the FAA and your AME to resolve this issue. It could very well be a lengthy and expensive process.
Chris
Mentors,
Thank you and hopefully it isn’t. If all that lies ahead is an evaluation, then I will have zero problems.
Thanks,
Renato