ADHD & FAA Fast Track Evaluations
FAA-aligned ADHD evaluations for pilots with prior diagnosis and stable functioning
Clinical interview and record review. No cognitive testing required. Report formatted to FAA documentation standards and delivered within 7 days.
Onsite in Newport Beach, CA · Telehealth in 43 PSYPACT states and New York
Why Timing Matters for ADHD Fast Track
The FAA ADHD Fast Track is a streamlined pathway for pilot applicants and current pilots with a prior ADHD diagnosis, no stimulant medication use in four or more years, and stable academic and occupational functioning.
This evaluation is meant to be completed before the Aviation Medical Examiner exam. Applicants who see the AME before this evaluation can face deferral and a longer FAA review process.
Common Questions About FAA ADHD Fast Track
Do I need cognitive testing for Fast Track?
No. Fast Track is based on a comprehensive clinical interview and review of records.
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 be provided.
How long does the ADHD Fast Track process take?
The evaluation takes one appointment in most cases. Processing time depends on documentation completeness and FAA review volume.
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 before your first Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) visit. Applicants who see the AME before completing the ADHD Fast Track evaluation risk deferral (read more about it in this article).
If you've taken ADHD medication within the past four years or need a more comprehensive assessment, you may require a full FAA neuropsychological evaluation in place of the Fast Track process. The FAA calls that pathway the Standard Track, and the timing gates and common delays are covered here.
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 the Right AME Matters
AMEs handle ADHD Fast Track cases in different ways. If the AME does not defer a fast track application, there is no additional FAA review that occurs. The AME can issue the medical certificate. Some AMEs defer all cases involving any mental health history, including cases where a deferral is not required.
Choose a HIMS AME who is trained in psychiatric and substance-related aeromedical cases and familiar with the fast track process. Another option is to confirm that your AME has experience issuing medical certificates through the ADHD Fast Track process.
Choosing the right AME can be the difference between a same-day certificate and months of waiting for FAA review.
Why Pilots and Pilot Applicants Choose Olin Psychological
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Draft reports are delivered within 7 days
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Specializes in FAA ADHD evaluations for pilots, pilot applicants, and air traffic controllers.
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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 serious concussion or traumatic brain injury, as there are qualifiers regarding FAA medical certification after TBI or concussion
No ADHD medication dispensed in the last four years. The FAA reads the pharmacy dispensing record, and a fill counts as medication taken.
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 routes 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)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's FAA ADHD Fast‑Track Document Checklist (pdf)
What the Evaluation Includes
Step 1: Document Review
Dr. Olin reviews 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
Dr. Olin completes the FAA Fast Track Summary Form to support quick decision-making.
Dr. Olin conducts 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
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Comprehensive FAA‑formatted report ready for your AME upload
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FAA Fast Track Summary signed by a doctoral‑level psychologist/neuropsychologist
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Personalized feedback & recommendations for cockpit performance and fatigue management
What Happens After Your AME Submits
If the AME defers the application to the FAA, the Fast Track packet enters a two-stage review. A medical staff member reviews the submission and forwards it with a recommendation to a flight surgeon for final decision.
Both stages have their own queues, and processing times vary depending on volume. There is no published timeline for this review.
Completing the Fast Track evaluation before the AME visit and choosing an AME who is comfortable with the process both matter. Avoiding the deferral avoids the queue. Applicants routed to the Standard Track face a separate set of milestone timings, starting with the FAA letter and the medical file.
Typical Timeline
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Day 0 to 3: You upload documents
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Day 4: Evaluation appointment
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Day 7: Draft report delivered
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Rush evaluations available for time-sensitive cases. Contact to confirm current availability.
About Dr. Olin
USC-trained clinical psychologist and neuropsychologist. Former NIH-funded behavioral scientist with 30+ years in clinical assessment. Reports are written to FAA documentation standards.
Dr. Olin has a longstanding interest in aviation, from building model aircraft to flying flight simulators (X-Plane, Honeycomb Alpha Yoke). His office is near SNA.
Note for Current Pilots or ATCS (rare but important)
Already hold a medical certificate and 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 before the evaluation so paperwork moves without delay.
This situation is rare. If it applies to you, tell Dr. Olin during scheduling so he can guide you through the extra steps.
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