ADHD & Pilot Certification

A history of ADHD (or the older diagnosis, ADD) does not automatically end your path to an FAA medical certificate, but taking ADHD medication does. The FAA says ADHD and the medications used to treat it "may result in cognitive deficits that pose a risk to aviation safety." If you currently take any ADHD medication for any reason, including as-needed (PRN) use, or you stopped within the past 90 days, or you have current symptoms, the AME must defer your exam. ADHD medications, including stimulants, are on the FAA's Do Not Issue list. Do not fly until you have an FAA Authorization (14 CFR 61.53).

The FAA uses two evaluation paths, and your history decides which one applies. You qualify for the Fast Track only if, in the past 4 years, you have had no ADHD treatment or medication (for any reason), no ADHD symptoms, and no instability at school, work, or in your social life, and you have never had another psychiatric diagnosis. The one exception is anxiety, depression, or a related condition that qualifies for its own Fast Track pathway. On the Fast Track, you see a doctoral-level (PhD or PsyD) psychologist or neuropsychologist with ADHD experience for a records review and interview. No testing is required, and the interview can be done by on-screen video (not audio only). The evaluator can complete the optional FAA ADHD Summary. The FAA says this form will "significantly DECREASE FAA review time." If every answer is "No" and your AME has no concerns, the AME can issue your certificate.

Everyone else goes on the Standard Track. That includes anyone with ADHD medication, symptoms, or instability in the past 4 years, any other psychiatric history, or a case where the AME or evaluator has concerns. You'll need in-person evaluation and testing by an FAA HIMS neuropsychologist, who follows FAA testing specifications kept on a secure portal. If you stopped taking ADHD medication, you must be off it for at least 90 days before testing. You also need two separate urine tests, one for amphetamines and one for methylphenidate, within 24 hours after testing. Testing data can't be used without them. Your AME defers, and the FAA reviews the complete package for possible Special Issuance.

On either track, the evaluation and report must be completed within 90 days of your AME exam. Before your appointment, your evaluator needs the full FAA ADHD Document Checklist. That includes 4 years of pharmacy records, 4 years of driver's license records, all academic transcripts, any 504 Plans or IEPs, and a typed, signed, and dated personal statement. Your AME must upload everything to the FAA within 14 days. The FAA says partial or incomplete packages will not be reviewed.