FAA Exams

FAA Neuropsychological Evaluations

In order to begin your journey into aviation or to maintain your flight career, the Federal Aviation Administration may require you to complete neuropsychological testing. As you read through the letter from the FAA you received, you are understandably overwhelmed, confused, and worried about your career. Neurocognitive Specialty Group has neuropsychologists who are here to provide the timely, high quality Neuropsychological Evaluation you need. Our neuropsychologists are HIMS Trained and FAA certified to provide the evaluation required to keep your aviation career soaring.

Why is an FAA Neuropsychological Evaluation Required?

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requires that some individuals complete neuropsychological testing to initially obtain, or in some instances to renew/maintain, their medical certification. This process begins when you are seen by an Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) who completes a physical and reviews your history to ensure you have no disqualifying conditions that would prevent you from being granted medical certification, which is required for most types of pilot’s licenses. In some instances, a pilot is found to have a disqualifying condition (e.g. ADHD) and cannot be granted medical certification without additional steps being taken. In other instances, a pilot who has been flying for many years may have a disqualifying medical or psychological event happen (e.g. stroke, TBI, substance abuse or dependence) and they must then complete additional steps to maintain or reacquire their previous medical certification. The FAA requires these evaluations because mental disorders, as well as the medications used for their treatment, and head/brain injuries, may produce symptoms or behavior that would make a pilot unsafe to perform his or her flight duties. In many of these instances, pilots are referred for neuropsychological testing to assist in determining their eligibility.

What will Happen on the Day of the Evaluation?

On the day of the Neuropsychological Evaluation, you will be asked to discuss your history and aspects of your current daily life with the Neuropsychologist. You may be able to have a family member or other collateral informant present to participate in this part of the evaluation. You will then participate in an FAA-designated battery of cognitive tests, designed to evaluate different aspects of your thinking. The evaluation is expected to take several hours, but breaks will be offered at regular intervals throughout the day. There is no specific way to prepare for the Neuropsychological Evaluation, except for getting a good night of sleep before your appointment.

What is Required Prior to My Appointment?

In order to complete an FAA neuropsychological evaluation, you must send a copy of the FAA letter you received directly to our office. You can either fax it to (346) 223-0296 or email it to office@nsghouston.com. You should also request for FAA records to be sent directly to our office. In case of ADHD referrals, please note that the FAA requires you to obtain a urine drug screen within 24-hours after testing. You must schedule the UDS on your own. Please note that the cost for the UDS is separate from the cost of the Neuropsychological Evaluation.