Jason Olin PhD
FAA Neuropsychological & Psychological Evaluations
HIMS‑Certified Provider
Pilots and air‑traffic controllers sometimes need a formal neuropsychological evaluation before the FAA will approve or renew a medical certificate, especially after ADHD medication, a head injury, depression, substance use, or SSRI treatment. I’m Dr. Jason Olin, a USC-trained clinical psychologist and neuropsychologist, a FAA HIMS neuropsychologist, and located in Newport Beach. I conduct CogScreen-AE and full neuropsychological batteries with FAA-compliant reports designed to address the FAA’s documentation requirements efficiently and accurately.
Eligible for the ADHD Fast Track evaluation instead? See the FAA ADHD Fast Track Evaluation Page.
Which FAA Evaluation Pathway Applies to You?
If you have a past ADHD diagnosis and no other psychiatric history → Fast Track
If you have anxiety, depression, substance history, or prior FAA deferral → Comprehensive evaluation
If you are unsure → Consultation
When to schedule an FAA evaluation
For most FAA mental health evaluations, airmen and applicants should not schedule an evaluation until they have received a deferral or request letter from the FAA. These letters specify the exact protocol the FAA is requesting, and completing an evaluation before that guidance is issued is often not appropriate.
Once the letter is received, timelines tend to compress quickly. At that point, record collection, collateral documentation, and scheduling all move on the FAA’s clock rather than the applicant.
If you are unsure whether it is appropriate to schedule yet, a brief consult can help clarify next steps before any testing is initiated.
Who Needs an FAA Neuropsychological Evaluation?
You may be referred for a neuropsych eval if you:
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Used prescription stimulants for ADHD within the last four years
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Sustained a concussion or other traumatic brain injury
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Were treated for major depression, anxiety, or PTSD with medication
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Had a substance‑ or alcohol‑related incident or DUI
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Showed cognitive concerns during your AME exam
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Need a special‑issuance after a serious medical or psychiatric event
If you’re unsure which pathway applies, please reach out for a consultation.
What to Expect in Our Evaluation
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Document Review. We review your AME letter, medical records, and any prior testing. This ensures we address every FAA concern up front.
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Clinical Interview. 90‑120 minute in‑office interview covering history and current functioning. This provides important context and rules out disqualifying conditions.
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CogScreen‑AE Pro. A computerized test of attention, working memory, & psychomotor speed. It is the FAA benchmark for flight‑critical cognitive skills.
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Comprehensive Battery. Tests of memory, executive functions, processing speed, and mood. The FAA requires full battery when medications, injury, or other risk factors are present.
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Integrated Report. Detailed FAA‑formatted report, diagnostic impressions, & recommendations delivered in 5–7 business days. Your AME uploads to MedXPress for FAA review or it is sent directly to the FAA.
Dr. Jason Olin's Credentials & Experience
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FAA-certified HIMS Neuropsychologist
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30 years in practice; numerous neuropsychological assessments and clinical research background
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Former Team Neuropsychologist for the Los Angeles Kings
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CogScreen‑AE Pro administrator and interpreter
Scheduling, Fees & Expected Timings
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Scheduling: Most pilots are able to be seen within 7–10 days of inquiry, providing all records are available.
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Fees: Clear quotes within one business day. Payment plans available, and fees may be reduced when the case is straightforward or recent records shorten testing.
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Turn‑around: Reports are delivered 5–7 business days after testing (optional 48‑hour rush report).
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SSRI Neuropsychological Evaluation
• Up to 6 hours: clinical interview, CogScreen‑AE only, FAA‑formatted report in 7 business days.
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Psychological Evaluation
• Up to 10 hours: clinical interview, full battery, FAA‑formatted report in 7 business days.
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Standard FAA Neuropsychological Evaluation
• Up to 12 hours: clinical interview, CogScreen‑AE, full battery, FAA‑formatted report in 7 business days.
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Complex Neuropsychological Evaluation/ Special‑Issuance
• Up to 15 hours: includes supplemental record review and extended testing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Testing Logistics
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How is this different from the ADHD Fast Track?
Fast Track is for pilots and applicants who stopped ADHD meds ≥ 4 years ago and show no impairment; no testing is required. Neuropsych evals cover wider issues (TBI, psych meds, substance history) and require a full battery.
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How do I know which test battery I will receive?
The deferral/ denial letter from the FAA will explicitly state it. If it calls out SSRI, HIV, ADHD, or substance use then the test battery will be specific to those areas. Otherwise it will refer to a psychological evaluation or neuropsychological evaluation.
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Can I do a practice CogScreen test with you?
No. We are required to only give the CogScreen as part of a test battery.
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Can I take the CogScreen at home?
No. FAA policy requires CogScreen‑AE Pro be administered in a controlled setting by a qualified examiner.
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Will this affect my current medical certificate?
Your existing certificate remains valid unless the FAA or your AME has deferred it. Our goal is to satisfy the FAA’s request so you can keep—or regain—privileges quickly.
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Do you offer virtual testing?
The FAA mandates in‑person cognitive testing. Interviews can be virtual if you live outside Southern California; testing is ideally completed in one visit to Newport Beach.
Fees and Payment
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How fast will I receive a quote?
Same day in most cases.
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What makes the cost go up or down?
Record complexity, length of testing, need for collateral interviews, etc.
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Can I get a payment plan or hardship discount?
Yes; 33% initial payment + two installments, with a sliding scale available for documented need.
From the Blog
Schedule Your Evaluation
If you've received a letter from the FAA requesting an evaluation, or you’re not sure what the next step should be, I’d be happy to talk you through your options. Use the contact form below or call my office to get started.
Your ability to fly matters. Let’s get this part of the process handled with confidence and clarity.
My Aviation Story
I Love Aviation
I've always loved aviation, but lack the temperament to be a pilot. I had a passion for building airplane models. I've also taken several introductory flights, and have a curiosity about aviation accidents (books like I Learned Flying from That and Air Disasters).
I satisfy myself playing flight simulators, both X-Plane and Microsoft flight simulator. 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 (apart from the noise of the daily FedEx plane).