FAA MEDICAL GUIDE · ADHD / ADD
ADHD & FAA medical certification
Understand the evaluation paths, organize your records, and plan your next step with an Aviation Medical Examiner.
WHO YOU MAY NEED TO SEE · ADHD
The right examiner. The right specialist.
- AME
- Coordinates the medical certification process and required submissions.
- Senior AME
- Required for a First-Class medical examination.
- HIMS AME
- Not routinely required solely for the ADHD pathway; other conditions may change this.
- Specialist evaluator
- Fast Track: qualified doctoral-level psychologist or neuropsychologist. Standard Track: FAA HIMS-trained neuropsychologist.
Do I need a HIMS AME for ADHD?
Not necessarily. ADHD does not automatically mean you need a HIMS AME. Fast Track involves a qualified doctoral-level psychologist or neuropsychologist and your AME. Standard Track requires an FAA HIMS-trained neuropsychologist for evaluation and testing. This is a different role from a HIMS AME. Additional conditions may introduce separate HIMS AME requirements.
Applying for First Class? Dr. Gilberto Munoz and Dr. Teresa Cvengros are Senior AMEs. Senior AME and HIMS AME are separate designations; a specialist evaluation is separate from the FAA medical exam.
FAA: Fast Track evaluator requirements ↗ · Standard Track evaluator requirements ↗
THE SHORT ANSWER
Your history determines the next step.
A history of ADHD, ADD, or ADHD medication use requires careful review for FAA medical certification. It does not, by itself, tell you whether certification is possible. The FAA provides Fast Track and Standard Track evaluation pathways; an AME can help determine which applies.
Do not stop or change prescribed medication to pursue certification without your treating clinician. This guide is not medical advice or clearance to fly. Discuss fitness to fly and FAA requirements with your AME.
UNDERSTAND YOUR OPTIONS
Two evaluation paths. One individual review.
This is an orientation, not an eligibility test. Use the current FAA instructions with your AME.
PATH 01
Fast Track
For histories meeting the FAA’s specific criteria—not simply because the diagnosis was made in childhood.
- No ADHD medication, treatment, symptoms, or related instability during the past four years.
- Other psychiatric history must be reviewed against current FAA criteria.
- A qualified doctoral-level psychologist or neuropsychologist reviews records and conducts an interview.
- The AME reviews the required summary, report, and supporting records before deciding whether issuance is permitted.
Meeting an initial screening criterion is not a guarantee of certification.
PATH 02
Standard Track
For recent ADHD history, additional concerns, or cases that cannot be resolved through Fast Track.
- Recent symptoms, treatment or medication use can require this pathway.
- Other psychiatric history, an evaluator’s concerns, or an FAA request may also trigger it.
- Evaluation and testing are performed in person by a HIMS-trained neuropsychologist.
- Your AME coordinates the documentation and FAA review process.
Testing, medication timing, and laboratory requirements need professional coordination—not a self-directed plan.
BEFORE YOU BOOK TESTING
Start with the records—not the exam.
- Talk with an AME. Explain your diagnosis, medication history, current concerns, and any previous FAA correspondence.
- Build a clear timeline. Note when you were diagnosed, treated, and prescribed medication. Follow the FAA personal-statement instructions where required.
- Gather the requested documents. Use the current FAA ADHD document checklist with your evaluator. Send the full set in advance so it can be reviewed before the evaluation.
- Coordinate your next appointment. Confirm which evaluation, reports, and supporting records you need before the medical exam.
Common starting questions
Yes. Historical ADHD or ADD diagnoses and medication use can be relevant even if you no longer receive treatment. Provide an accurate history and ask your AME which documentation applies.
No. The FAA also considers symptoms, treatment, stability, other history, the evaluator’s findings, and AME concerns. Time since medication use is only part of the assessment.
If the pathway or documentation is unclear, a consultation can help you plan before beginning the medical examination. It does not replace the FAA-required evaluation or guarantee a certificate.
Official FAA references
Use these documents with your AME and evaluating clinician. FAA requirements can change.
Source links checked September 23, 2026. General educational information; your evaluation and certification decision are individual.
Plan your next step with an AME.
Discuss your history and what to prepare before your FAA medical examination.