A Turning Point: P4HR Meets with OIG Audit Team on HIMS Program

Today marked a significant milestone for Pilots for HIMS Reform.

We had the opportunity to meet directly with the Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General (OIG) audit team currently reviewing the FAA’s HIMS program—and the outcome exceeded expectations.

Throughout the discussion, it became clear that this was not a routine meeting. The audit team was engaged, thoughtful, and highly attentive. They asked meaningful questions—often unprompted—and demonstrated a genuine interest in understanding both the structure of the program and the real-world impact it has on pilots.

Most notably, there were several visible “aha moments” during the conversation—points where it was clear that key issues were landing in a new and meaningful way.

That was our goal.

For too long, the narrative surrounding the HIMS program has been one-sided. Today, we were able to present a more complete picture—one grounded in data, firsthand experience, and documented case histories. The team was able to see that the system is not without serious flaws, and that for many pilots, the process is far from the supportive framework it is often portrayed to be.

This was, without question, one of the most productive and constructive meetings we have had with any government agency.

Strong Engagement and Ongoing Dialogue

The OIG team did more than listen—they leaned in.

They expressed clear interest in continuing the conversation and even asked if we would be willing to stay engaged with them as their audit progresses. We view this as a strong indicator that today’s discussion was both meaningful and impactful.

We look forward to continuing to support their efforts and to help ensure that this audit is as thorough, informed, and accurate as possible.

Coalition Voices Matter

We were also joined by a physician and medical professional from within our coalition who provided valuable insight during the discussion. For professional and practical reasons, this individual has chosen to remain anonymous at this time—but their contribution to the conversation was significant.

In addition, we presented supporting input and evidence from another medical professional, who was identified as anonymous within our presentation materials.

We also shared perspectives from an attorney working closely with cases in this space, who has likewise requested anonymity at this time. We have since connected this attorney directly with the OIG team, and both parties are now in communication.

Moments like this reinforce what we already know: this movement is not just made up of pilots—it includes medical professionals, legal experts, and industry stakeholders who are increasingly willing to step forward.

A Team Effort

We also want to recognize William Tozer, one of our coalition members who is currently pursuing a career in Air Traffic Control.

Bill stepped up in a major way by developing the presentation used during today’s meeting, and quite simply—he delivered. The structure, clarity, and impact of the presentation played a key role in how effectively our message was communicated.

Bill, thank you. You hit a home run.

What We Shared

During the briefing, we presented a focused set of data and case-driven insights designed to highlight systemic concerns within the current HIMS framework. Key areas included:

• False positive and contested testing outcomes and the real-world consequences pilots face when those results are relied upon without sufficient safeguards.
• Lack of due process protections, including limited ability for pilots to challenge determinations, unclear evidentiary standards, and decisions that can significantly impact careers without a transparent or consistent review mechanism.
• Significant financial burdens placed on pilots navigating the system, often reaching into six-figure costs.
• Lack of transparency and consistency in decision-making, monitoring requirements, and pathway progression.
• Case studies demonstrating conflicting medical determinations across different systems and authorities.
• Breakdowns in communication and oversight that create confusion, delays, and unnecessary hardship.
• No demonstrated outcome-based validation showing that the HIMS program, as currently structured, actually improves safety outcomes.
• Instances where independent medical judgment appeared to be overridden or sidelined, raising broader concerns about how clinical decisions are being made.

These points were supported by both data and firsthand accounts, and they helped frame the broader discussion around the need for accountability, modernization, and reform.

What Comes Next

This is not the end of the conversation—it’s the beginning of a more informed one.

The OIG audit represents a critical opportunity to examine the HIMS program through a lens of transparency, accountability, and evidence-based practice. We intend to remain actively engaged and continue providing the data, stories, and expertise necessary to support that effort.

We also encourage those following this issue to stay engaged. We will continue publishing updates, sharing new data, and expanding the record as this process moves forward.

Get Involved

If you are a pilot, medical professional, attorney, or industry stakeholder with relevant experience and would like to share your story, we encourage you to reach out.

We are actively working with the OIG and can help ensure that your experience is shared in a structured, protected, and meaningful way. Where appropriate, we may also facilitate direct engagement.

Contact us through the website to get involved.

View the Presentation

You can review the full presentation shared with the OIG audit team below:

Download the Presentation (PowerPoint)

Moving Forward—Together

Today was a step forward.

Not because everything is fixed—but because, for perhaps the first time in a long time, the right people are asking the right questions.

And we’re just getting started.