FAA Neuropsychological Evaluations with NSG

In order to begin your journey into aviation or to maintain your flight career, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requires that you undergo a psychiatric evaluation and possibly a human intervention motivation study (HIMS) psychiatric evaluation. As you read through the letter from the FAA you received, you are understandably overwhelmed, confused, and worried about your career, which is why you need an experienced FAA certified and HIMS trained psychiatrist in your corner.

The FAA requires these evaluation 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. Due to the differences in training and areas of expertise, separate evaluations and reports are required from both a qualified psychiatrist and a qualified clinical psychologist for determining a pilot’s medical qualifications.

What is an FAA mandated Neuropsychological Evaluation?

​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. In many of these instances, pilots are referred for neuropsychological testing to assist in determining their eligibility.

The doctors at Neurocognitive Specialty Group are FAA certified to perform the necessary Neuropsychological Evaluation to keep your aviation career soaring.