FAA SSRI Neuropsychological Evaluation
CogScreen-AE testing and clinical interview for pilots and air traffic controllers on an SSRI
One appointment in Newport Beach. The report follows the FAA SSRI Initial Certification Aid and is delivered 7 days after the evaluation, once all records are received.
Onsite in Newport Beach, CA for CogScreen-AE testing
Why the FAA Requires a Neuropsychological Evaluation for SSRI Use
The FAA requires a neuropsychological evaluation for pilots on an SSRI. The evaluation measures cognitive functions such as attention, memory, and processing speed through the CogScreen-AE and a clinical interview. It documents how you function on the medication and identifies any weakness that could affect flight safety.
This evaluation is one part of your FAA packet. Your psychiatrist and your HIMS AME complete their own evaluations, and the FAA reviews all of the reports together.
Free 15-minute consultation. Bring your FAA letter if you have one.
What the Neuropsychological Report Includes
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Qualifications and the records reviewed, including your complete FAA medical file
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Relevant clinical, educational, training, social, family, legal, and medical history
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CogScreen-AE results with the evaluation date, session number, and normative group
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Review of every threshold the FAA names: LRPV above 0.80, and T-scores below 40 on the base-rate and Taylor Aviation Factors measures
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Results of any focused testing or comprehensive battery
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Overall neurocognitive status, any diagnosis the testing supports, and any weakness that could affect safe performance
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Recommendations and a commitment to notify the FAA if your psychological status changes
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The CogScreen-AE computerized summary report, attached for FAA review
Common Questions About the FAA SSRI Evaluation
What does the visit involve?
One appointment. It includes the CogScreen-AE and a clinical interview.
Do I need a psychiatrist’s report?
Yes. The FAA requires a report from a board-certified psychiatrist. If your prescriber is a board-certified psychiatrist, that report meets the requirement. If your prescriber is not, you need a separate psychiatric evaluation. You sign a release that allows Dr. Olin and your psychiatrist to discuss your case.
What happens if my CogScreen-AE results exceed the FAA thresholds?
The FAA expects the report to address every threshold that is exceeded. If your results call for it, Dr. Olin administers a supplemental testing protocol. That protocol is a separate and longer evaluation.
Do I need my FAA medical file before the evaluation?
Dr. Olin reviews your complete FAA medical file before testing. Request it with Form 8065-2 as soon as you book. Allow 4 weeks for the FAA to send it. In some cases Dr. Olin sees the pilot before the file arrives and holds a follow-up visit to cover any file contents not discussed on the testing date.
When do I receive the report?
The report is delivered 7 days after the evaluation, once all records are received.
How current do the reports need to be?
The FAA requires every report to be current within 90 days. Your psychiatrist and HIMS AME complete their own reports, so plan the timing of each visit with that window in mind.
Records to Provide
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Medical and treatment records for your mental health history, including periods without an SSRI
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Prior psychological and neuropsychological evaluations
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Therapy records
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Academic records
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DMV records
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Your typed personal statement describing symptoms, providers, medications, treatments, and current status
Why a HIMS AME Matters for SSRI Cases
The FAA SSRI Initial Certification Aid assigns specific duties to a HIMS AME. The AME:
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Completes a face-to-face, in-person evaluation
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Reviews your complete FAA medical file, the psychiatric reports, and the neuropsychological report
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Verifies your current medication, dose, and most recent change
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Comments on each FAA SSRI rule-out, such as suicide attempt or psychiatric hospitalization
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Recommends or declines special issuance
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Agrees to follow you as your HIMS AME and to notify the FAA of changes
Choose your HIMS AME before you book the evaluations. The AME reviews the neuropsychological report as part of your packet.
How it Works
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Request your FAA medical file with Form 8065-2. Allow 4 weeks for delivery.
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Gather your records and sign the release for communication with your psychiatrist.
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Complete the CogScreen-AE and clinical interview in one visit.
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Dr. Olin consults with your psychiatrist before finalizing the report, when both clinicians request it.
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Receive the report 7 days after the evaluation, once all records are in. Your HIMS AME includes it in the FAA submission.
Typical Timeline
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Weeks 0 to 4: FAA file request and records
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Evaluation day: CogScreen-AE and interview
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Day 7 after evaluation: report delivered
Why Pilots and Pilot Applicants Choose Olin Psychological
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Reports are delivered 7 days after the evaluation, once all records are received
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HIMS-certified neuropsychologist who administers the CogScreen-AE Pro for pilots, pilot applicants, and air traffic controllers
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Reports address each item in the FAA SSRI Initial Certification Aid, including every CogScreen-AE threshold
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Coordination with your psychiatrist and HIMS AME before the report is finalized, when both clinicians request it
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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.
Ready to move forward?
Read the full SSRI pathway in FAA Medical After SSRI or Antidepressant Use: What the Evaluation Requires (2026).
Schedule a free 15-minute consultation to review your FAA letter and your timeline.
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