FAA Tier 2 Evaluations for Air Traffic Control Specialist Applicants in Newport Beach
Dr. Jason Olin performs the FAA Tier 2 psychological evaluation for air traffic control specialist (ATCS) applicants at his office in Newport Beach, California. Applicants schedule the appointment in the FAA scheduling portal. Dr. Olin sends the report to the FAA within one week of the appointment, and the FAA Office of Aerospace Medicine makes the clearance decision.
Onsite in Newport Beach, CA
The Tier 2 evaluation follows an unsatisfactory Tier 1 screen
The Federal Aviation Administration requires a psychological evaluation as part of medical clearance for ATCS applicants. FAA Order 3930.3C, the Air Traffic Control Specialist Health Program, sets this policy.
Tier 1 is a psychological screen completed during the aviation medical examination. An FAA clinical psychologist reviews the results. Applicants who are not cleared at Tier 1 receive a referral for a Tier 2 evaluation. An unsatisfactory screening result does not by itself disqualify an applicant.
A licensed psychologist who meets the FAA eligibility criteria conducts the Tier 2 evaluation and sends the report to the FAA. Dr. Olin meets the FAA eligibility criteria for Tier 2 evaluators, including the FAA training required for the role.
Applicants schedule the Newport Beach appointment in the FAA portal
The FAA directs applicants who need a Tier 2 evaluation to its scheduling portal. The portal lists each location by state and city, with the available dates.
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Use the Location filter and select "CA, Newport Beach."
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Review the available dates and choose one.
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Click the pencil icon next to the date, complete the form, and click Save to confirm the booking.
The FAA requires applicants to choose a location within 100 miles, or two hours of travel time, one way. Newport Beach is within that range of Orange County and of much of Los Angeles County, Riverside County, San Bernardino County, and San Diego County.
The appointment takes place at the Newport Beach office
The office is at 1001 Dove St., Suite 280, and there is ample free parking. Appointments take between four and five hours. Breaks for snacks and meals are provided. ATCS applicants should bring identification. Questions about the Newport Beach office go to info@olinpsychological.com. Questions about FAA policy go to the FAA.
Common Questions About the FAA ATCS Tier 2 Evaluation
What happens during the Tier 2 evaluation?
The Tier 2 evaluation is a psychological evaluation. The FAA does not want the details of the evaluation shared before the appointment.
At the end of the evaluation, do I receive any feedback?
No. The FAA has asked that evaluators provide you no feedback regarding how an ATCS applicant did during the Tier 2 evaluation.
Does a Tier 2 referral end an air traffic controller application?
No. An unsatisfactory Tier 1 screen does not by itself disqualify an applicant. After the Tier 2 evaluation, the FAA Office of Aerospace Medicine reviews the report and decides whether the applicant is qualified or disqualified. A disqualified applicant may appeal to the Federal Air Surgeon.
Who schedules the Tier 2 evaluation?
The applicant schedules it in the FAA scheduling portal after the FAA directs the applicant to complete a Tier 2 evaluation.
Who receives the report?
The FAA receives the report. Applicants agree to release the results to the FAA, and the Office of Aerospace Medicine makes the clearance decision.
Can the Tier 2 evaluation take place by telehealth?
No. Dr. Olin sees Tier 2 applicants at his Newport Beach office.
Who can perform a Tier 2 evaluation?
A licensed psychologist who meets the FAA eligibility criteria, which include FAA training for Tier 2 evaluators. Dr. Olin meets these criteria.
How long does the process take?
The FAA controls the timeline for the clearance decision. Time slots for Tier 2 evaluations start at least two weeks from the time an ATCS applicant accesses the FAA scheduling website.
Air traffic control applicants who have been asked to be evaluated for ADHD can learn more about the ADHD Fast Track Evaluation.
What ATCS Applicants Can Expect from Olin Psychological
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Reports go to the FAA within 7 days of the evaluation
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HIMS-certified neuropsychologist with experience working with air traffic control specialist applicants, pilots, and pilot applicants
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Completed the FAA training required for Tier 2 evaluators
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Reports address each item required by the FAA
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Ongoing support if the FAA requests clarification
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.
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