FAA Exams

FAA Neuropsychological Evaluations | Neurocognitive Specialty Group

Are you an aspiring or current pilot facing a required neuropsychological evaluation from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)? Neurocognitive Specialty Group (NSG) is here to help with professional, FAA-certified neuropsychologists ready to guide you through the process. Whether you’re just starting your aviation journey or maintaining your flight career, we understand that receiving an FAA letter can be overwhelming and stressful. Our team specializes in conducting high-quality, timely FAA neuropsychological evaluations to help you meet the FAA’s requirements and keep your aviation career on track.

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.

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

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.

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 (346) 223-0296 or email it to office@nsghouston.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.

HIMS Trained and FAA Certified Neuropsychologists

NSG’s neuropsychologists are both FAA certified and HIMS trained. This specialized training ensures that we provide evaluations that meet the FAA’s strict standards, helping pilots continue their careers safely and confidently. Our extensive experience with FAA neuropsychological evaluations ensures that we can assist pilots in navigating this often complex process with professionalism and care.

Contact Neurocognitive Specialty Group for FAA Neuropsychological Evaluations

If you have received a letter from the FAA requesting a neuropsychological evaluation, don’t delay. NSG’s team of experienced neuropsychologists is here to help guide you through the process and complete the required evaluation with ease. Contact us today to schedule your FAA neuropsychological evaluation and take the next step toward maintaining your medical certification and keeping your aviation career soaring.