Aerospace Neuropsychology and the FAA

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) maintains stringent physical and mental health criteria, and there are problems and conditions defined in the Federal Air Regulations with which pilots may not fly. Common referrals include pilots who have been prescribed one of several SSRI antidepressant medications, HIV-seropositive pilots, pilots recovering from alcohol/substance abuse or dependence, pilots recovering from a neurological condition such as a mild head injury or cerebrovascular condition, and applicants with a history of ADHD or who have been prescribed medications used to treat ADHD. In other instances, testing may be required due to problems that became apparent during pilot training, upgrading, transitioning between aircraft, or during proficiency training.

 The testing often includes a combination of traditional neurocognitive assessments, CogScreen Aeromedical Edition (AE2) assessment, and/or objective psychological assessment. The neuropsychological testing involves both computerized and one-on-one assessment of skills that are considered important for the cognitive demands of flight including attention, focus, sustained attention, distractibility, memory, visual-spatial skills, auditory perception, perceptual speed, rapid motor responses, decision-making, and the ability to rapidly process information. The CogScreen AE2 is a computer-administered screening instrument developed for the FAA as a measure of cognitive functioning that can impact operational performance during flight. The assessment will also include a detailed record review and possible interview with family members and professional colleagues. The FAA has developed several testing protocols specifying what tests are required at a minimum. Neuropsychological assessment ranges from 2-8+ hours. The longer assessments can often be completed in one full dy;  it may require an additional day depending on the required nature and scope of assessment and the individual’s status and tolerance for assessment.