Jason Olin PhD
ADHD & FAA Fast Track Evaluations
Get Flying Faster, Without Costly Missteps
FAA-aligned ADHD evaluations for pilots and pilot applicants who need clear answers, fast turnaround, and reports that match FAA expectations.
Available nationwide by telehealth in most states including CA, NY, and FL.
Fast Track evaluations are conducted face-to-face and may be completed either by secure video or in person.
Why Timing Matters for ADHD Fast Track
This evaluation is designed to be completed before an AME exam, and timing matters. Many pilot applicants first learn about Fast Track only after a deferral, but waiting until the exam has already occurred often limits options and lengthens the overall FAA review process. Unlike most other FAA mental health evaluations, this pathway is intended to be completed before an AME exam rather than after a deferral.
In practice, pilot applicants who plan ahead and complete the ADHD Fast Track evaluation well before their AME exam tend to experience a smoother process, fewer delays, and clearer outcomes.
Because document collection and FAA review timelines are often longer than expected, this pathway is best approached months in advance rather than weeks.
Common Questions About FAA ADHD Fast Track
What qualifies someone for the FAA ADHD Fast Track process?
Fast Track applies to individuals with a prior ADHD diagnosis who have no history of other disqualifying psychiatric conditions and no current aeromedically concerning symptoms. There must be no history of substance misuse, bipolar disorder, psychosis, or other significant psychiatric disorders. The applicant must not be using ADHD medication and must show stable academic and occupational functioning under FAA criteria.
Do I need cognitive testing for Fast Track?
No. Fast Track is based on a comprehensive clinical interview and review of records. Formal neuropsychological testing is not required if eligibility criteria are met.
What records does the FAA require?
Pharmacy and relevant medical records from at least the past four years are required. Prior evaluations, school records, and transcripts should also be provided when available. Missing records are a common source of delay.
How long does the ADHD Fast Track process take?
The evaluation is typically completed in one extended appointment. Processing time depends on documentation completeness and FAA review volume. Complete records generally allow for a shorter timeline than traditional HIMS pathways.
What Is the FAA ADHD Fast Track Process?
The ADHD Fast Track is a streamlined pathway the FAA created for potential pilots and air‑traffic controllers who have a history of ADHD (or past stimulant use) but no current symptoms that would endanger flight safety.
If you meet the criteria, you can complete the Fast Track process prior to your first Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) visit. Seeing the AME prior to completing the ADHD Fast-Track is a big mistake (read more about it in my blog).
If you've taken ADHD medication within the past four years or need a more comprehensive assessment, you may require a full FAA neuropsych eval instead of the Fast Track process.
Some professionals pursuing FAA documentation notice that performance strain, anxiety, or executive functioning challenges extend beyond regulatory requirements. While this evaluation focuses strictly on FAA standards, therapy options are available for those seeking ongoing support related to ADHD, burnout, or high-pressure roles.
Learn more about therapy for adult ADHD →
Learn more about anxiety & burnout support →
Common FAA ADHD Fast Track Mistakes
• Seeing the AME before completing the Fast Track process
• Submitting incomplete or non-FAA-aligned documentation
• Working with an evaluator unfamiliar with FAA ADHD criteria
These missteps can delay certification or trigger unnecessary FAA review.
Why Pilots and Pilot Applicants Choose Olin Psychological
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I routinely work with pilots, pilot applicants, and air traffic controllers navigating FAA ADHD review
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FAA evaluations are a core part of my practice
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I’ve done many ADHD evaluations with pilots and high-stakes professionals
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Reports are delivered fast, completed within 7 days
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Transparent fee quote provided before scheduling
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Secure, HIPAA-compliant document portal
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Ongoing support if the FAA requests clarification
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Reports are written to FAA expectations, with clear symptom history, objective data, and defensible conclusions
Who is Eligible?
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Diagnosis or medication history of ADHD but stable functioning for the past four years
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No active psychiatric or neurocognitive disorders that could impair safety
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No ADHD medication use in the last four years (or clear evidence it is no longer needed)
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Ability to supply all documents listed on the FAA ADHD Document Checklist before the evaluation
If any of these items are missing or you’ve taken stimulant medication within four years, the FAA will route you to the Standard Track instead.
What to Gather Before Your Appointment
FAA approval hinges on complete documentation. Please upload the following to the secure portal at least 72 hours before your visit:
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Pharmacy records (past 4 years)
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Medical & therapy records related to ADHD or learning issues
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Driver‑license print‑outs from every state you’ve held a license in the last 4 years
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Academic records – transcripts, IEP/504 plans, or accommodation letters
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Personal statement answering the FAA’s 14 questions (typed, signed, dated)
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Any prior neuropsych or psychological evaluations
Tip: FAA Form 8065‑2 can be used to request old records from the agency if you cannot locate them.
Need an easy list of materials to gather?
Download Olin Psychological APC’s FAA ADHD Fast‑Track Document Checklist (pdf)
What the Evaluation Includes
Step 1: Document Review
We review your records for completeness and red flags.
Step 2: Clinical Interview
A face-to-face 120-minute interview via video or in person.
Step 3: Written Report
FAA-formatted report delivered within 1 week of your visit.
Step 4: Summary Form for AME
We complete the FAA Fast Track Summary Form to support quick decision-making.
I conduct FAA-aligned ADHD Fast Track evaluations as part of a broader FAA mental health assessment practice, which allows continuity of care if additional FAA review or evaluation is required.
What You'll Receive
Comprehensive FAA‑formatted report ready for your AME upload
FAA Fast Track Summary signed by a doctoral‑level psychologist/neuropsychologist
Personalized feedback & recommendations for cockpit performance and fatigue management
Typical Timeline
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Day 0–3: You upload documents
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Day 4: Evaluation appointment
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Day 10–11: Report delivered
FAA ADHD Fast Track – Frequently Asked Questions
Do I still qualify if I took Adderall in college?
Yes, if you’ve been off medication for at least four years and are functioning well at work or at school, you're often still eligible.
Will I have to take the CogScreen?
Fast Track is designed so that most pilots can meet FAA cognitive requirements without CogScreen-AE, unless other test results suggest it’s needed.
Can I do the ADHD Fast Track Evaluation if I also have a history of anxiety or depression?
Yes you can, if you meet criteria for anxiety and depression fast track process (FAA Anxiety, Depression, and Related Conditions Fast Track Pathway (pdf)). Read more on my blog about the Anxiety/Depression Fast track.
What if I don't qualify for the ADHD Fast Track?
You may still pursue certification through the FAA's Standard Track. I provide full neuropsychological evaluations when needed.
What is the cost for an ADHD Fast Track Evaluation?
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Clear quotes provided in one business day.
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Payment plans available.
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Fee reductions when recent records shorten testing or the case is straightforward.
Note for Current Pilots or ATCS (rare but important)
Already hold a medical certificate and just realized you need an ADHD Fast‑Track evaluation?
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Pause flying/controlling and contact your AME or Regional Flight Surgeon.
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Verify you’re truly Fast‑Track‑eligible (no ADHD meds or significant symptoms in the past four years, no other disqualifying diagnoses).
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Have your treating physician and AME on board early so paperwork moves quickly after the evaluation.
I don’t see this situation often, but if it applies to you, let me know during scheduling so I can guide you through the extra steps.
From the Blog
Struggling with stress or follow-through? My therapy work helps those with ADHD build steady habits. Learn More
My Aviation Story
I Love Aviation
I've always loved aviation, but lack the temperament to be a pilot. I built airplane models, (F-4, F-104, B-52, Boeing 2707 SST). I've been on several intro flights on 151s and 172s, and have a curiosity about aviation accidents (books like I Learned Flying from That and Air Disasters).
I satisfy myself playing flight simulators (X-Plane & Microsoft) using a Honeycomb Alpha Yoke. My flight sim experiences harken back to SubLogic's first version, played on my brother's Apple ][+.
I'm also fortunate that my office is very close to SNA. Seeing the flights at sunset is a thrill.