Program Information for Chief Pilots and Base Managers Washington, D.C. August 15, 2011

Transcription

1 Program Information for Chief Pilots and Base Managers Washington, D.C. August 15, 2011

2 1. Facts about Alcohol 2. The F.A.A. and Alcohol 3. The H.I.M.S. program 4. S.S.R.I. program

3 It s a sedative, hypnotic, and addicting drug. Alcohol quickly impairs judgment and leads to behavior that can easily contribute to, or cause accidents.

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5 Alcohol is rapidly absorbed from the stomach and small intestine, and transported by the blood throughout the body. Its toxic effects vary considerably from person to person, and are influenced by variables such as gender, body weight, rate of consumption (time), and total amount consumed.

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7 The average, healthy person eliminates pure alcohol at a fairly constant rate - about 1/3 to 1/2 oz. of pure alcohol per hour, which is equivalent to:

8 Type Beverage Typical Serving (ounce) Pure Alcohol Content (ounce) Table Wine 4.48 Light Beer Aperitif Liquor Champagne 4.48 Vodka 1.50 Whiskey

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10 This rate of elimination of alcohol is relatively constant, regardless of the total amount of alcohol consumed.

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12 Pilots have shown impairment in their ability to fly routine VFR flight tasks while under the influence of alcohol, regardless of individual flying experience.

13 Serious errors committed by pilots dramatically increases at or above concentrations of 0.04% blood alcohol. Some studies have shown decrements in pilot performance with blood alcohol concentrations as low as the 0.025%.

14 The majority of adverse effects produced by alcohol relate to the brain, the eyes, and the inner ear - three crucial organs to a pilot.

15 Alcohol decreases the ability of the brain to make use of oxygen. Brain effects include impaired reaction time, reasoning, judgment, and memory.

16 This adverse effect can be magnified as a result of simultaneous exposure to altitude, characterized by a decreased partial pressure of oxygen.

17 Visual symptoms include eye muscle imbalance, which leads to double vision and difficulty focusing. Inner ear effects include dizziness, and decreased hearing perception.

18 If other variables are added, such as sleep deprivation, fatigue, medication use, altitude hypoxia, or flying at night or in bad weather, the negative effects are significantly magnified.

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20 The use of alcohol and drugs by pilots is regulated by FAR Among other provisions, this regulation states that no person may operate or attempt to operate an aircraft: within 8 hours of having consumed alcohol while under the influence of alcohol with a blood alcohol content of 0.04% or greater while using any drug that adversely affects safety

21 A more conservative approach is to wait 24 hours from the last use of alcohol before flying.

22 A hangover effect, after the acute intoxication has worn off, may be just as dangerous as the intoxication itself. Symptoms commonly associated with a hangover: headache dizziness dry mouth stuffy nose fatigue upset stomach irritability impaired judgment

23 A pilot with these symptoms would certainly not be fit to safely operate an aircraft. In addition, such a pilot could readily be perceived as being: under the influence of alcohol

24 Even after complete elimination of all of the alcohol in the body, there are undesirable effects a hangover that can last 48 to 72 hours following the last drink.

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26 Plant City, Florida 2000

27 Frequency Percent Total 1 DUI 19, % 2 DUI 2, % 3 DUI % EtOH Abuse 2, % EtOH Dependence 1, % 1 st Drug Offense 1, % Drug Abuse 1, %

28 1 st Class 2 nd Class 3 rd Class 1 DUI 4,883 (4.29) 3,444 (4.87) 11,666 (4.15) 2 DUI 512 (0.45) 443 (0.63) 1,247 (0.44) 3 DUI 62 (0.05) 84 (0.11) 213 (0.08) EtOH Abuse 526 (0.46) 482 (0.68) 1,380 (0.49) Dependence 723 (0.64) 212 (0.30) 448 (0.16) 1 st Drug 252 (0.22) 273 (0.39) 819 (0.29) Drug Abuse 366 (0.32) 255 (0.36) 631 (0.22) Drug Depen 32 (0.02) 8 (0.01) 34 (0.01) Data above shown as COUNT (PERCENT)

29 (.207,.307) Mental. (4) Substance dependence, except where there is established clinical evidence, satisfactory to the Federal Air Surgeon, of recovery, including sustained total abstinence from the substance(s) for not less than the preceding 2 years. As used in this section (i) Substance includes: Alcohol; other sedatives and hypnotics; anxiolytics; opioids;.; and other psychoactive drugs and chemicals; and (ii) Substance dependence means a condition in which a person is dependent on a substance, other than tobacco or ordinary xanthine-containing (e.g., caffeine) beverages, as evidenced by (A) Increased tolerance; (B) Manifestation of withdrawal symptoms; (C) Impaired control of use; OR (D) Continued use despite damage to physical health or impairment of social, personal, or occupational functioning.

30 Must report each alcohol or drug related motor vehicle action to the FAA Security Division within 60 days: Security and Investigation Division, AMC- 700, P.O. Box 25810, Oklahoma City, OK Legal has their own penalties for multiple DUIs and for not reporting on the

31 Make sure pilot reports to BOTH the medical AND Security Divisions.

32 The airman must send a Notification Letter for the suspension. Then send a second Notification Letter if the alcohol related offense results in a conviction. Even though the airman sent two notification letters, FAA views the suspension and conviction as one alcoholrelated incident

33 Item # 18v history of any arrests and/or conviction(s) involving driving while intoxicated. Applicant s signature authorizes query of the NDR - and this is done at every exam.

34 Applicant s signature authorizes query of the NDR and this is done at every exam.

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36 Pilots are brought to your attention: 1. Complaints about behavior 2. Complaints about performance 3. Complaints from Hotel staff on layovers 4. Contacted by Law Enforcement 5. Increase in number of sick calls, or last minute sick calls.

37 Getting the pilot into the HIMS program. Persuading the pilot that he/she has a problem that needs to be treated, NOW! Explain the program to the pilot. 1. Job security 2. Medical and pay benefits 3. Pilot s Health, life or death situation.

38 The HIMS program usually requires a minimum 28-day inpatient treatment.

39 Get an Independent Medical Sponsor/HIMS AME A.A. meetings, sponsor and 12 Steps Meet with Chief Pilot and Pilot Sponsor at least monthly Aftercare with an addiction therapist in group or individual sessions weekly Random drug and alcohol testing as prescribed by the HIMS AME

40 Intervention 28-day inpatient care Monthly meetings with the IMS/HIMS AME FAA approved Psychiatric/Psychologist Evaluation FAA medical exam with the IMS/HIMS AME Packet with exam is sent to F.A.A. in Washington, D.C. for evaluation. Average 6-8 weeks response from F.A.A. for Special Issuance and Receipt of Medical Certificate

41 Worked by Federal Air Surgeon in D.C. Managed by I.M.S.-HIMS/AME Treatment Program (including Outpatient) or evidence of good recovery. Psychologist/Psychiatrist Evaluation and yearly Psychiatric reevaluations. Chief Pilot and/or Pilot Sponsor Random screening. Aftercare and A.A. as with traditional HIMS

42 Depends on the circumstances usually 3-5 years, but it can be lifelong monitoring.

43 Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale- Revised Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory Three or more of the following tests: Cognitive Function (TMT, Category, WMS, REY) Projective Test (Rorschach, Sentence Completion) Personality inventory (Neo-R, MDMI) Symptom Screening (Beck, MAST, Etc.)

44 1. Aftercare sessions weekly as work schedule permits, but minimum of twice a month. 2. Continued regular A.A. meeting, several per week. 3. Continued frequent contact with an A.A. sponsor and working the 12 steps. 4. Continued minimum monthly meetings with the Chief Pilot and Pilot Sponsor. 5. Random drug/alcohol testing 6. Meet with the HIMS AME as he/she feels necessary, but at least every 6 months. 7. Be reevaluated by the HIMS approved psychiatrist yearly.

45 A few months before the end of the Special Issuance the HIMS AME will have the pilot see the HIMS psychiatrist for the exit evaluation. The HIMS AME reviews the psychiatrist s report and will contact everyone involved in the pilot s monitoring The HIMS AME authors a report to the F.A.A. regarding their impression of the pilot s status to come off monitoring and end the Special Issuance The HIMS AME and psychiatrists reports are sent to the F.A.A. in Oklahoma; the F.A.A. usually follows the AME s recommendation.

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47 Pilots taking antidepressants/anti-anxiety medication are disqualified If the medication and the diagnosis for which it was prescribed are no longer present then a pilot may be considered for certification Must be off medication for at least 90 days. Provide a current status letter from the treating physician

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