AME HIMS AME & Special Issuance Processes

Question 1

What does 'HIMS' stand for in the context of FAA Aviation Medical Certification, and what is the primary function of a HIMS AME?

Accepted Answer

Human Intervention Motivation Study; HIMS AMEs are specially trained to evaluate airmen with substance use disorders and manage their return to flight

Answer

Human Integrated Medical System; manages electronic health records for airmen

Answer

High-Intensity Medical Screening; a more thorough version of standard AME evaluation

Answer

Horizontal Incapacitation Management System; a protocol for managing in-flight medical events

Question 2

What is the minimum sobriety period typically required before the FAA will consider an initial Special Issuance Authorization for an airman with alcohol use disorder?

Accepted Answer

1 year of documented sobriety and AA or treatment participation

Answer

6 months of documented sobriety

Answer

2 years of documented sobriety with complete HIMS evaluation package

Answer

30 days of inpatient rehabilitation

Question 3

Under the AASI (AME-Assisted Special Issuance) program, what is the primary difference between an AASI re-issuance and a standard certificate issuance?

Accepted Answer

AASI allows an AME to re-issue a certificate to an applicant with an established FAA Authorization without sending the case to AMCD each renewal, provided the applicant continues to meet specified criteria

Answer

AASI certificates are valid for only 6 months regardless of condition

Answer

AASI requires a HIMS AME for all certificate classes

Answer

AASI is only available for Third-Class certificates

Question 4

What documents must the AME review before proceeding with AASI re-issuance for an airman with a history of coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery?

Accepted Answer

The Authorization letter specifying required documents, which typically include: current stress test results, echocardiogram, cardiology status report, and medication list

Answer

Only the completed Form 8500-8 with normal physical exam

Answer

A letter from the airman's cardiologist stating the airman is 'fit to fly'

Answer

The original surgical report from the CABG procedure

Question 5

Under the SSRI Authorization pathway, which of the following SSRIs is NOT on the FAA's approved list for aeromedical certification?

Accepted Answer

Paroxetine (Paxil)

Answer

Sertraline (Zoloft)

Answer

Fluoxetine (Prozac)

Answer

Escitalopram (Lexapro)

Question 6

What is the purpose of the FAA's BasicMed program, and how does it relate to the standard FAA medical certification process?

Accepted Answer

BasicMed allows certain private and recreational pilots to fly specific aircraft without an FAA medical certificate, using a recent medical examination by any licensed physician and an online course, subject to specific operational limitations

Answer

BasicMed replaces all classes of FAA medical certificate for certificated pilots

Answer

BasicMed is a simplified AME training program for new examiners

Answer

BasicMed is an FAA program for issuing medical certificates to student pilots only