The HIMS Nightmare

The HIMS Nightmare is a practical guide to surviving the “Human Intervention Motivation Study” program for pilots who are in recovery from substance abuse, or who are sucked into the program despite not being addicted to mood-altering substances. The HIMS program is not what it is portrayed to be. Developed in 1974 as a means for returning substance-abusers to the cockpit, HIMS has grown to become a monster intended to put as many pilots as possible under the complete control of their employers, who may have participants’ required FAA medical certificates revoked at any time, for any reason. HIMS relies almost entirely on outmoded “Twelve Step Facilitation Therapy,” which is itself based almost solely on the tenets of Alcoholics Anonymous. AA was formed in 1935 and has changed little since. Although the rate of recovery for AA alone is abysmal, HIMS claims high rates of recovery which are, in truth, the result of participants who are threatened with loss of the careers, and intrusive monitoring requirements which may stretch in duration to include a pilot’s entire career. Pilots are typically thrust into the program, with minimal information, at times of emotional vulnerability as they contemplate losing their career and lifestyle. They are rarely apprised of their rights or of the all-encompassing nature of a program which will ultimately control their lives. The HIMS Nightmare is intended to empower pilots to avoid the program if they can, or to survive it if they must. It is the book I looked for but could not find when I was sucked into the “HIMS EF5 tornado.” Had it existed then, I never would have been forced into a program which routinely destroys careers and lives. Critics will undoubtedly claim The HIMS Nightmare is discouraging pilots with substance abuse problems from seeking help, or that it is nebulously “lying” about the program because it describes how HIMS participants are being victimized. Neither is true. In reality, most critics will be from the category AA opponents call “steppers” – AA cultists for whom dissent is unacceptable. Beyond helping pilots survive HIMS with their lives, careers and personalities intact, The HIMS Nightmare is intended to spark reforms within the program to give participants the rights and protections they so desperately need.

Author Biography

The author is a 35-year airline pilot, including 24 years as a captain. He has flown for four FAR Part 121 carriers and accrued approximately 28,000 flying hours, earning type ratings for seven transport category jets.