Human Intervention Motivation Study
| Abbreviation | HIMS |
|---|---|
| Formation | 1974 |
| Type | Occupational substance misuse program |
Region served | United States, with recent expansion into Australia and New Zealand |
The Human Intervention Motivation Study (HIMS) is a United States aviation program that coordinates the identification, treatment, monitoring, and return-to-duty of pilots with substance misuse or substance use disorders. Established in the 1970s with support from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the ALPA, it serves as a primary FAA-approved pathway for pilots to regain medical certification after substance-related issues. Independent reviews, notably a 2023 consensus study by the National Academies, highlight the program's role in aviation safety while urging reforms in transparency, oversight, and testing protocols.[1]
History
HIMS originated in the 1970s with support from the FAA and ALPA, initially targeting alcohol misuse among pilots through structured treatment. It later expanded to include other substances. The FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 mandated further study of such programs.[2]
In the 2010s and 2020s, HIMS expanded internationally with program footprints in Australia and New Zealand.[3] Local aviation regulators partnered with FAA-affiliated coordinators to replicate aspects of the program for regional carriers and flight crews.
Criticism and calls for reform
- Alternatives and reform proposals
Pilot advocacy groups have proposed alternative treatment and monitoring pathways. One example is AEROPath, a model described by pilots as a clinically guided alternative to HIMS that would emphasize evidence-based treatment, neutral oversight, and reduced financial conflicts of interest.[4] According to reform advocates, FAA leadership has not adopted or tested such alternatives, citing regulatory consistency and established protocols as reasons for maintaining HIMS as the sole approved pathway.[5]
- Expansion and profit motives
Critics argue that HIMS’ expansion into Australia and New Zealand has been driven less by safety outcomes and more by program economics. Advocacy groups contend that increased awareness of the program’s requirements has coincided with reduced voluntary participation, yet expansion has continued, creating what reform advocates describe as a “profit-motivated footprint” for affiliated treatment centers and evaluators.[6]
Legal cases and arbitration
Key cases and legal context include:
- Erwin v. FAA (D.C. Cir. 2021) — court remanded the FAA’s denial of a medical certificate linked to HIMS participation.[7]
- Petitt v. Delta Air Lines (ARB 2022) — pilot whistleblower case, later settled.[8]
- **EEOC v. United Airlines** (2022) — United settled for $305,000 and agreed to accommodate a Buddhist pilot’s refusal to participate in AA as part of HIMS.[9][10]
- **Tallon v. United Airlines** (2025) — pilot alleges ADA violations, claiming HIMS was used punitively following a head injury; litigation is ongoing.[11][12]
- **Danford arbitration** (Delta–ALPA, 2021) — arbitration decision regarding a pilot's HIMS-related discipline.[13]
Legal context on religious accommodation
Title VII’s “undue hardship” standard stems from Trans World Airlines v. Hardison (1977), refined in Groff v. DeJoy(2023) to require proof of “substantial increased costs” for accommodation denial.[14][15]
Conferences and access
HIMS seminars (Basic and Advanced) are held in Denver with limited outside access. Presentation slides are published online.[16]
Media
Book: The HIMS Nightmare (Vallone/McMurphy, 2020) and The HIMS Experiment Exposed (Nicodemus, 2021).
See also
References
- ↑ "Substance Misuse Programs in Commercial Aviation: Safety First – Summary". National Academies Press. National Academies. June 27, 2023. Retrieved September 6, 2025.
- ↑ "FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018, Sec. 554". United States Congress. October 5, 2018. Retrieved September 6, 2025.
- ↑ "HIMS Program – Australia/New Zealand presence". HIMS Program. Retrieved September 6, 2025.
- ↑ "AEROPath – FAA HIMS Program Reform". AEROPath / FAAHIMSProgram.com. Retrieved September 6, 2025.
- ↑ "Substance Misuse Programs in Commercial Aviation – Highlights" (PDF). National Academies. 2023. Retrieved September 6, 2025.
- ↑ "Pilots for HIMS Reform – International Expansion". Pilots for HIMS Reform. Retrieved September 6, 2025.
- ↑ "Erwin v. Federal Aviation Administration, No. 20-1443 (D.C. Cir. Dec. 28, 2021)". Justia. December 28, 2021. Retrieved September 6, 2025.
- ↑ "Petitt v. Delta Airlines, Inc., ARB No. 2021-0014" (PDF). U.S. Department of Labor. September 26, 2022. Retrieved September 6, 2025.
- ↑ "United Airlines to Pay $305,000 to Settle EEOC Religious Discrimination Lawsuit". U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. November 8, 2022. Retrieved September 6, 2025.
- ↑ "United settles suit involving Buddhist pilot who sought AA meeting alternative". HR Dive. November 10, 2022. Retrieved September 6, 2025.
- ↑ "Pilot Files Lawsuit Against United Airlines Over Forced Rehab and Termination". Flying. July 12, 2025. Retrieved September 6, 2025.
- ↑ "'Drunk' United Airlines pilot was forced into rehab for 'alcoholism' following concussion". AOL. July 25, 2025. Retrieved September 6, 2025.
- ↑ "In the Matter of Arbitration Between Delta Air Lines and ALPA (Danford)" (PDF). Delta Pilots System Board of Adjustment. February 2021. Retrieved September 6, 2025.
- ↑ (1977). Text
- ↑ (June 29, 2023). Text
- ↑ "HIMS Basic Education Seminar 2024 – Slides" (PDF). HIMS Program. September 2024. Retrieved September 6, 2025.
External links
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