A Critical Step Forward: First Round of OIG Meetings Underway
Pilots for HIMS Reform | May 5, 2026
Today marked a significant milestone for Pilots for HIMS Reform.
For the first time, members of our coalition met directly—one-on-four—with the Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General audit team currently reviewing the HIMS program. These initial sessions represent a meaningful step toward transparency, accountability, and long-overdue scrutiny of a system that has impacted so many aviation professionals.
An Eye-Opening Exchange
The meetings were, by all accounts, highly productive and deeply engaging.
Coalition members had the opportunity to share their firsthand experiences directly with OIG auditors in a focused, small-group setting. These conversations were not rushed or superficial. They were thoughtful, detailed, and, importantly, taken seriously.
What stood out most was the level of engagement from the OIG team. There was clear evidence of active listening, thoughtful questioning, and a genuine effort to understand the complexities and inconsistencies within the HIMS program. In many cases, these discussions appeared to be eye-opening, with auditors gaining new insight into issues that have long gone unaddressed.
This is exactly what meaningful oversight should look like.
Momentum Is Building
Today was just the beginning.
We have two additional days of scheduled meetings this week—Thursday and Friday—as part of our first round of ten coalition members participating in direct discussions with the OIG.
Beyond that, the momentum continues to grow.
42 coalition members have now expressed interest in meeting with the OIG.
Our goal is clear: ensure every one of them has the opportunity to be heard.
We are actively working toward scheduling additional sessions to accommodate the next group of participants.
Why This Matters
For years, many aviation professionals have felt that their voices were minimized, dismissed, or overlooked entirely. Today represented a shift in that dynamic.
This process is not just about sharing stories. It is about establishing a factual record. It is about ensuring that patterns, concerns, and systemic issues are documented by an independent oversight body with the authority to investigate and act.
Every conversation contributes to a broader understanding of how the HIMS program operates in practice—not just in policy.
What Comes Next
We are still in the early stages, but the direction is promising.
As additional meetings take place over the coming days and weeks, we will continue to:
- Facilitate direct engagement between coalition members and the OIG
- Support participants in sharing their experiences clearly and confidently
- Expand access so that every willing member has the opportunity to contribute
This is a collective effort, and the strength of that effort lies in the willingness of individuals to step forward.
Today was a strong start.
And we’re just getting started.