Question about DUI-HIMS
New member
The questions I would like to ask this group are:
Are all Private Pilots with a 3rd class medical who receive a DUI now required to become abstinent for the rest of their flying days?
Is a Special Issuance Medical required for all who receive a DUI?
I was arrested for DUI a few years ago. When I applied for my next medical, I was given a letter that denied my application. The letter gave me several requirements to complete before I could re-apply. One of the requirements that I was given, was to go to an HIMS-AME. So, I made an appointment and saw an HIMS-AME. At this initial appointment, I was given the specifics of the program I would need to complete (4 months of counseling and testing to make sure I wasn't consuming any alcohol). I was also told I would have to maintain abstinence for as long as I held a medical for the rest of my life. I was also told that at the end of the program I would probably have to get a special issuance medical every year going forward.
Some back ground information: At the time of the DUI, I was 58 years old and have never had any issues with alcohol or any other substance. I hadn’t even had a speeding ticket in over 20 years. I have never operated an aircraft while under the influence of any alcohol or other substance. This was a one-off situation where I made a mistake and drove when I had consumed 3 beers (9.8 percent alcohol) within an hour and a half.
The State where I live has a rigorous program that if followed allows for the expungement of a first-time conviction for DUI. I completed all of the 28 requirements, including an assessment for dependency issues and a course of counseling. The assessment for dependency scored me as very unlikely to have substance abuse issues and I shared all of this with the Medical group at the FAA.
Are all Private Pilots with a 3rd class medical who receive a DUI now required to become abstinent for the rest of their flying days?
Is a Special Issuance Medical required for all who receive a DUI?
I was arrested for DUI a few years ago. When I applied for my next medical, I was given a letter that denied my application. The letter gave me several requirements to complete before I could re-apply. One of the requirements that I was given, was to go to an HIMS-AME. So, I made an appointment and saw an HIMS-AME. At this initial appointment, I was given the specifics of the program I would need to complete (4 months of counseling and testing to make sure I wasn't consuming any alcohol). I was also told I would have to maintain abstinence for as long as I held a medical for the rest of my life. I was also told that at the end of the program I would probably have to get a special issuance medical every year going forward.
Some back ground information: At the time of the DUI, I was 58 years old and have never had any issues with alcohol or any other substance. I hadn’t even had a speeding ticket in over 20 years. I have never operated an aircraft while under the influence of any alcohol or other substance. This was a one-off situation where I made a mistake and drove when I had consumed 3 beers (9.8 percent alcohol) within an hour and a half.
The State where I live has a rigorous program that if followed allows for the expungement of a first-time conviction for DUI. I completed all of the 28 requirements, including an assessment for dependency issues and a course of counseling. The assessment for dependency scored me as very unlikely to have substance abuse issues and I shared all of this with the Medical group at the FAA.
