Substances of Dependence/Abuse (Drugs and Alcohol)
As an Examiner you are required to be aware of the regulations and Agency policy and have a responsibility to inform airmen of the potential adverse effects of medications and to counsel airmen regarding their use. There are numerous conditions that require the chronic use of medications that do not compromise aviation safety and, therefore, are permissible. Airmen who develop short-term, self-limited illnesses are best advised to avoid performing aviation duties while medications are used.
Aeromedical decision-making guidance includes an analysis of the underlying disease or condition and treatment. The underlying disease has an equal and often greater influence upon the determination of aeromedical certification.
General Information for all AMEs
- DUI/DWI/Alcohol Incidents - Disposition Table (PDF)
- Alcohol Event Status Report for the AME (PDF)
- Drug Use - Past or Present - Disposition Table (PDF)
- FAA Certification Aid - Drug and Alcohol INITIAL (PDF)
- Security Notification/Reporting Events (PDF)
- Substances of Dependence/Abuse FAQs (PDF)
FAA Drug and/or Alcohol Monitoring Program and the HIMS Program:
Airmen who have a regulatory diagnosis of alcohol dependence or abuse may require evaluation and monitoring before they can obtain a medical certificate. If an airman requires monitoring they should establish with a HIMS (Human Intervention Motivation Study) trained AME (HIMS AME) to help them work through the FAA process.
Drug and/or Alcohol monitoring - Initial Certification
- HIMS-Trained AME Checklist - Drug and Alcohol INITIAL (PDF)
- HIMS-Trained AME Data Sheet (PDF), HIMS-Trained AME Data Sheet Instructions (PDF)
- FAA Certification Aid - Drug and Alcohol INITIAL (PDF)
- Specifications for Neuropsychological Evaluations for Substance Abuse/Dependence
Drug and/or Alcohol monitoring - Recertification
- HIMS-Trained AME Checklist Drug and Alcohol Monitoring Recertification (PDF)
- FAA Certification Aid - Drug and Alcohol Monitoring Recertification (PDF)
Monitoring/HIMS Frequently Asked Questions (PDF)
For information on the Industry Drug and Alcohol Testing Program see Aviation Industry Antidrug and Alcohol Misuse Prevention Programs