Aviation Professionals Program

Step 1: Obtain an AME Doctor

The first step in the recertification process is identifying and establishing care with an Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) who is designated as a HIMS AME. These specially trained physicians understand the FAA's requirements for pilots seeking to return to flight status after a substance use issue. Your HIMS AME will serve as your primary medical advocate throughout the recertification process, coordinating with the FAA and your treatment team to ensure all medical documentation meets federal standards. Coastwise helps you identify and connect with an appropriate HIMS AME near you.

Step 2: Inpatient or Outpatient Treatment

The FAA requires pilots to complete a recognized substance abuse treatment program before returning to flight duties. Depending on the severity of your situation, this may involve inpatient (residential) treatment followed by outpatient care, or it may begin directly at the outpatient level. At Coastwise, our outpatient programs — PHP and IOP — are designed to meet FAA compliance requirements while providing the comprehensive clinical care you need. Treatment includes individual therapy, group sessions, psychiatric evaluation, drug and alcohol testing, and holistic modalities, all documented to FAA standards.

Step 3: HIMS Aftercare Group

After completing initial treatment, pilots are required to participate in an ongoing HIMS aftercare group as part of their monitoring and recovery maintenance. Coastwise's HIMS Aftercare Group meets the first three Thursdays of every month from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM. This specialized group provides a confidential peer environment where aviation professionals in recovery support one another, discuss challenges specific to the industry, and maintain the accountability required by the FAA. Attendance is documented and reported as part of your recertification package.

Step 4: Alcoholics Anonymous

The FAA requires regular participation in Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or a comparable 12-step program as part of the recovery and monitoring process. Active involvement in AA provides a proven framework for sustained sobriety, community support, and personal accountability. Coastwise helps you connect with the AA South Bay network and other local meetings, assists you in finding a sponsor, and ensures your AA participation is properly documented for FAA submission. Regular meeting attendance is a key component of demonstrating ongoing commitment to sobriety.

Step 5: Peer & Company Sponsors

The FAA recertification process requires two types of sponsors: a peer sponsor and a company sponsor. Your peer sponsor is a fellow pilot who is also in recovery — someone who understands the unique pressures of aviation and can provide personal support, accountability, and mentorship. This relationship is built on shared experience and mutual understanding. Your company sponsor is a representative from your airline or employer who agrees to monitor your professional performance and provide regular reports to the FAA. The company sponsor serves as a bridge between your recovery and your workplace, ensuring that your return to duty is supported at the organizational level. Coastwise helps facilitate the identification and coordination of both sponsor relationships.

Step 6: Psychological and Psychiatric Examinations

As part of the recertification process, the FAA requires comprehensive psychological and psychiatric evaluations. These examinations assess your current mental health, cognitive functioning, and fitness for duty. A licensed psychologist conducts a full psychological evaluation including cognitive and personality testing, while a psychiatrist provides a psychiatric assessment and any necessary medication management. These evaluations must be conducted by professionals familiar with FAA requirements and documented in formats acceptable to the FAA. Coastwise coordinates these evaluations with qualified professionals and ensures all reports are completed to federal standards.

Step 7: FAA Examination and Submission

Once all treatment, monitoring, and evaluation requirements have been met, your HIMS AME conducts a comprehensive FAA medical examination and compiles your complete recertification package for submission to the FAA. This package typically includes:

• Treatment completion documentation and clinical summaries
• HIMS aftercare group attendance records
• AA meeting attendance logs and sponsor reports
• Peer sponsor and company sponsor reports
• Psychological and psychiatric evaluation reports
• Drug and alcohol testing results
• HIMS AME medical examination findings
• Personal statement and recovery narrative

The completeness and quality of this package is critical to the success of your recertification application. Coastwise and our partners at Pilot Medical Solutions Inc. work closely with your HIMS AME to ensure every element is thorough, accurate, and compliant with FAA requirements.

Step 8: FAA Recertification

After your complete package is submitted, the FAA reviews all documentation and makes a determination regarding your medical certification. If approved, you receive a Special Issuance medical certificate that allows you to return to flight duties under specific monitoring conditions. These conditions typically include ongoing drug and alcohol testing, continued participation in your HIMS aftercare group, regular AA attendance, and periodic reports from your sponsors and treatment team. Coastwise continues to support you through this monitoring period, providing the ongoing care, testing, and documentation required to maintain your certification and protect the career you've worked so hard to build.