The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requires pilots with certain conditions which could affect flight effectiveness and safety to undergo cognitive and psychological evaluation. This testing is specifically tailored to determine the eligibility for medical certification, recertification or Special Issuance. Aviation Neuropsychology provides these required evaluations in accordance with FAA regulations for those seeking first-, second- or third-class medical certificates.
Trained in Human Intervention Motivation Study (HIMS) and a licensed clinical neuropsychologist specializing in aerospace neuropsychology, Dr. Lisa Merilson of Aviation Neuropsychology is uniquely qualified to help pilots with the complex certification process – offering personal support and guidance every step of the way, ensuring that pilots can complete the entire process with both clarity and confidence.
What Is an FAA Neuropsychological Evaluation and Who IS FAA-Approved to Provide It?
Neurocognitive skills are essential for safe and effective pilot performance. An FAA neuropsychological evaluation will provide testing including concentration, memory, verbal comprehension, mental calculation, reasoning, reaction time, spatial perception, situational awareness, coordination and impulse control.
Conditions with the potential for cognitive impairment that may require an FAA neuropsychological evaluation could include a history of head injury, neurological disorders such as multiple sclerosis or Parkinson’s disease, depression or anxiety, ADHD/ADD, or substance abuse. A comprehensive FAA neurological evaluation will include a detailed history of neurological and cognitive symptom onset, diagnosis and present condition; medical records including prior testing, imaging and procedural results, treatment plan, prognosis and risk assessment; medications; family history; and current physical exam, mental testing and assessment.
In these instances, an FAA neuropsychological evaluation must be provided by an HIMS-trained neuropsychologist. If you are uncertain, consult your aviation medical examiner (AME).
When dealing with conditions that may raise concerns regarding flight safety, the neuropsychological evaluation must be conducted by an approved FAA neuropsychologist and it should include academic records, any psychiatric hospitalization records, detailed observation and treatment, a thorough clinical interview, a mental status examination, aviation background and experience, employment performance information, legal issues, all medication use, an interpretation of a full battery of neuropsychological and psychological tests including the core test battery, and a summary of significance findings and their potential impact on aviation safety and efficacy consistent with FAA regulations.
Why HIMS Neuropsychology Evaluations Are Preferred for Aviation
Neuropsychological evaluations conducted by a HIMS trained professional are preferred to standard neuropsychological evaluations for several reasons including the following:
- HIMS neuropsychologists possess specialized training for the cognitive testing of pilots and air traffic controllers (ATCs).
- Not only can HIMS neuropsychologists administer industry-standard testing, including a CogScreen-AE2; they are familiar with the general population test data norms and can compare those results with norms for pilots and ATCs.
- A neuropsychological evaluation provided by a trained HIMS professional will provide the most comprehensive results available.
- Recommendations are limited by the evaluator’s expertise. Neuropsychologists can conduct all of the required FAA testing of a psychologist while also providing those tests, services and insights unique to neuropsychologists.
- Additionally, an HIMS neuropsychologist with additional training and experience in aviation is recommended, such as Aviation Neuropsychology of Volusia Neuropsychology & Behavioral Health’s Dr. Lisa Merilson.
Aviation Neuropsychology HIMS Neuropsychological Evaluations
HIMS Neuropsychologist Dr. Lisa S. Merilson, Psy.D. specializes in clinical and aerospace neuropsychological evaluations and has 21 years of clinical practice experience as the owner of Volusia Neuropsychology & Behavioral Health. One might say that Dr. Merilson’s dedication to her field is only surpassed by her passion for flight. An avid aviator herself, Dr. Merilson exhibits the unique understanding and empathy for pilots of a fellow airman.
To learn more about Aviation Neuropsychology HIMS evaluations or to schedule yours with Dr. Merilson, call 386-478-9873 or email drmerilson@merilsoncapital.com. Volusia Neuropsychology & Behavioral Health is conveniently located at 512 Canal Street in New Smyrna Beach.
