Why is an FAA Neuropsychological Evaluation Required?

The FAA requires neuropsychological testing for certain individuals to either obtain or renew their medical certification. A valid medical certification is mandatory for most pilot’s licenses, and the FAA ensures that pilots are medically fit to safely operate an aircraft. This process typically starts with an Aviation Medical Examiner (AME), who conducts a physical and reviews your medical history for any disqualifying conditions.

Some of the reasons an FAA neuropsychological evaluation might be required include:

• Conditions like ADHD: Pilots with certain diagnoses may need further assessment to determine their cognitive fitness for flying.

• Medical events: Pilots who experience a stroke, traumatic brain injury (TBI), substance abuse issues, or dependence may need to complete additional steps to maintain their certification.

The FAA requires these evaluations to assess whether mental health conditions or medications, brain injuries, or other cognitive impairments might compromise a pilot’s safety and decision-making ability. Cognitive and psychological impairments can affect reaction time, memory, attention, and problem-solving skills, which are critical for safely operating an aircraft. The FAA’s goal is to ensure that pilots can continue to perform their duties safely and meet aviation standards.

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What Happens During the FAA Neuropsychological Evaluation?

On the day of your evaluation, the neuropsychologist will ask you to discuss your medical history and aspects of your daily life. You may also have the option to bring a family member or someone familiar with your daily functioning to provide additional context.
 

Next, you will undergo a series of FAA-approved cognitive tests that evaluate key aspects of cognitive functioning, including:

• Memory

• Attention

• Problem-solving

• Processing speed

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A full FAA psychological evaluation may take 3-5 face-to-face hours (including the interview) whereas an FAA neuropsychological evaluation can take 6-12 hours, depending on the questions that need to be answered. The CogScreen on its own typically takes 45 minutes to an hour to administer. Typically, examinees are not scheduled for more than 6 hours at a time, and a second day of testing might be necessary. These tests will be administered over the course of several hours, with regular breaks offered to ensure your comfort and reduce fatigue. There’s no special preparation required beyond ensuring you get a good night’s sleep before the evaluation. It’s also helpful to avoid stimulants such as caffeine on the day of your test for optimal performance. Bring any necessary items like reading glasses to ensure you’re comfortable throughout the process.

 

Upon completion of all the tests, a report is written which integrates the findings from the records, interviews, and testing, and determines conclusions and recommendations for treatment and flight status. This report is usually sent to the referral source within two weeks.
 

Preparing for Your FAA Neuropsychological Evaluation?

Before your appointment, it’s important to send a copy of the FAA letter you received to our office. You can fax it to (317) 562-0942 or email it to drkrowel@braincenterindy.com. Additionally, you should request that your FAA records be sent directly to our office to ensure all necessary documents are on file before your evaluation.
 

If your evaluation is related to an ADHD referral, the FAA requires that you complete a urine drug screen (UDS) within 24 hours after testing. You will need to schedule this test on your own, and the cost for the UDS is separate from the cost of your neuropsychological evaluation. This is an essential step in meeting the FAA’s requirements for your medical certification.