u/weeji_san

TLDR, 14 years ago lost my medical because of a failed non-DOT drug test while at Embry Riddle. Gave up on flying, ended up pursuing a career in EHS/Safety. Little did I know that deep down, the flying bug never really left. Last few years just kept looking at the skies, feeling bummed that I gave up on the dream. My wife pushed me to pursue my dream. Lawyered up in January, got letters of recommendation, scheduled HIMS interview, random drug testing. June had my HIMS eval. No remarkable findings (no substance abuse/dependance). Two weeks later AME apt for deferral to FAA. August 7, the MedXpress application showed decision made. I got my 1st class medical, unrestricted. This is a dream come true. Going on vacation for two weeks, then going back to flight training (CPL/ME).

Don't give up on your dreams.

Did my HIMS EVAL, no substance abuse or dependance detected, no reservations. MedExpress done, medical appointment done. Two weeks later I checked MedExpress and it says:

Review of your application is complete. You will receive your medical certificate and correspondence with additional details via mail.

You are cautioned to abide by 14 CFR § 61.53, relating to operations during medical deficiency. Operation of aircraft is prohibited at any time new symptoms or adverse changes occur in your health status.

Refer to the Conditions of Issue attached to your medical certificate for additional guidance to include validity periods cited in 14 CFR § 61.23.

On FAA registry it says:

Medical Information:

Medical Class: First  Medical Date: 7/2026

MUST USE CORRECTIVE LENS(ES) TO MEET VISION STANDARDS AT ALL REQUIRED DISTANCES.

BasicMed Course Date:  None   BasicMed CMEC Date:  None

Is this it? Am I good?

Did my evaluation last week for an event that occurred 14 years ago (failed drug test, non DOT). Went through my entire life, it was crazy how in depth he went. At the end, small cognitive test, it was easy. He did not find any substance abuse or dependance, just remote substance abuse. I will either get unrestricted or SI for a year, depending what the FAA decides. I’m so happy. Been a long time coming.

As the title says. I have my eval with FAA HIMS AME in three weeks. What can i expect to be asked during this? I’m definitely a bit nervous 😬. Thanks in advance!!

I posted this on r/flying and got pretty demoralized. Was told about this /r. So, long story short, when I was at ERAU, I smoked some marijuana while on spring break. Someone knew and snitched on me and the school drug tested me. FAA denied my medical. Got suspended for a semester. Tried appealing, FAA asked for clean drug test, which I did. Also asked for rehab program. I went to an outpatient facility which did a substance abuse evaluation. They recommended 14 week program. My visa expired and couldn't do it. Facility told FAA I was unwilling to complete it. After a few months FAA denial came. Came back to US with esta visa, completed all requirements to get back into ERAU. Gave up on medical, but finished degree and also did an degree in safety. This was 15 years ago. Been clean since. Been working in safety, never failed any drug test since the event. Now want to get back into it. Hired lawyer, who suggested i enroll in one year of random drug testing. Did that. Scheduled FAA/hims substance evaluation. Got recommendation letters from airline pilots, cfis, and supervisors who have known me for over 10 years (character letters, per request of my lawyer). How is my case looking/what is the likely time frame? Will I even be ever hirable? 4k in lawyer fees, and the initial eval is 2.5-3k. Will I have to do cog screens? I feel like I’m a pretty shit test taker so I’m concerned. 🤷