FAA ADHD Fast Track Evaluation
I'm Corinne, a licensed clinical psychologist, FAA/HIMS trained aviation psychologist, and pilot. I have years of experience in psychological assessment, with particular expertise in ADHD evaluation, and I'm highly familiar with FAA psychological evaluations for ADHD Fast Track pathways. I complete multiple FAA evaluations each week. I know how much the documentation matters when your medical certificate is on the line, and I write it to the FAA's requirements.
Who You'll Work With
Hi, I'm Corinne.
I'm a licensed clinical psychologist (PsyD) with extensive experience supporting trauma survivors and marginalized communities. You'll work directly with me at every step. I run every session and sign every evaluation myself. More about me →
- PsyD, Licensed Psychologist
- Online in 45+ states
- In person in Orange County, CA
An ADHD history can trigger an FAA evaluation
If you have a history of ADHD or past use of ADHD medication, the FAA may require a psychological evaluation before you can obtain or renew your medical certificate. The FAA's Fast Track pathway is designed for applicants who meet specific eligibility criteria, while applicants with recent symptoms, ADHD medication use within the past four years, or certain other psychiatric histories are directed to the Standard Track instead.
As a doctoral-level licensed psychologist with FAA/HIMS training and years of experience in ADHD evaluation, I meet the FAA's qualification standard for completing Fast Track ADHD evaluations and the required clinical report and ADHD Summary. I also understand the aeromedical process from the pilot's side, and I write reports that are complete and easy for your AME and the FAA to use.
Who qualifies for Fast Track
The FAA Fast Track pathway is available to pilot applicants who meet all of the following criteria:
Off Medication 4+ Years
Off all ADHD medication for at least four years.
No Current Symptoms
No current ADHD symptoms affecting functioning.
Stable Functioning
No instability in academic, occupational, or social functioning in the past four years.
No Other Psychiatric History
No history of other psychiatric conditions, with limited exceptions for anxiety or depression that independently meet Fast Track criteria.
If you don't meet these criteria, you may need a Standard Track evaluation, which involves a more extensive neuropsychological testing battery. I can help you determine which pathway applies to your situation.
Fast Track evaluations can be done by video
For eligible Fast Track cases, the FAA allows the records review and evaluation to be completed virtually. The key requirement is that the evaluation must be conducted face-to-face by on-screen video, not by audio only. The FAA Fast Track Summary specifically allows the required clinical interview to be completed either in person or by on-screen video.
That means many pilots can complete the Fast Track ADHD evaluation from home or another private location, without needing to travel for an in-person appointment, so long as they're located in a state where I'm authorized to practice and the visit is conducted by secure video.
By Video, Nationwide
Secure video evaluations for pilots in more than 45+ states through my PSYPACT license, plus California, Colorado, Texas, Nevada, and Alaska.
In Person in Orange County, CA
If you'd rather meet face to face, my office is in Santa Ana, near John Wayne Airport (SNA). Orange County is my only in-person location.
Which ADHD track applies to you
The FAA sorts ADHD histories into two pathways, and the difference between them is large: one is a single interview, the other is a multi-day neuropsychological battery. Pilots often find out which one they're on only after an AME deferral, which is the expensive way to learn it. Here is how they compare.
Fast Track
Who: Off all ADHD medication for four or more years, no current symptoms, stable functioning, no other psychiatric history beyond the FAA's narrow exceptions.
What: Record review plus a face-to-face clinical interview, by video or in person, and the FAA ADHD Summary with a supporting clinical report. No CogScreen-AE or cognitive testing battery.
Who does it: A licensed psychologist or psychiatrist who meets the FAA's qualification standard. I complete these regularly.
Time and cost: Usually one appointment, and $650 all inclusive with me. Done before your AME exam, your AME can often issue on the spot.
Standard Track
Who: Any ADHD medication use in the past four years, current symptoms, recent instability at school, work, or in relationships, or a psychiatric history that doesn't fit the Fast Track exceptions.
What: A comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation, including the CogScreen-AE and a broader cognitive battery, extensive records, and a detailed report to the FAA's Standard Track requirements.
Who does it: An FAA HIMS-qualified neuropsychologist. It is typically one to two days of testing.
Time and cost: Weeks to months, and commonly several thousand dollars. The application is almost always deferred to the FAA for review, so the FAA controls the timeline.
If you're not sure which track you're on, that is exactly what the free consultation is for. Bring your medication history and any FAA or AME correspondence, and I'll tell you which pathway applies. If it's the Fast Track, we can schedule the evaluation. If it's the Standard Track, I'll tell you what to expect and what to gather before you see a neuropsychologist, so you don't lose months to a deferral.
What the evaluation includes
The Fast Track evaluation is a face-to-face clinical interview conducted by secure video or in person. During the appointment, I review your full ADHD history, medication history, academic and occupational functioning, and current presentation. I then complete the FAA ADHD Summary form and produce a detailed clinical report that addresses every item the FAA requires.
If you're experiencing financial hardship, please contact me to discuss other payment options.
“The best approach is to complete your Fast Track evaluation and gather all required documentation before you ever schedule your AME appointment.”
— Dr. Corinne Votaw-Freer, PsyD
Go to your AME with the paperwork already done
Avoid a Costly Deferral
One of the most common and costly mistakes applicants make is going straight to their Aviation Medical Examiner without completing the Fast Track process first. When your AME encounters an ADHD history without the required documentation in hand, they typically have no choice but to defer your application to the FAA. Once deferred, the FAA controls the timeline.
Document First, Then Schedule
The best approach is to complete your Fast Track evaluation and gather all required documentation before you ever schedule your AME appointment, so your AME can review the completed paperwork at the exam and issue your medical certificate on the spot if everything qualifies.
An FAA/HIMS Trained Psychologist Who's Also a Pilot
As both a clinician and a pilot, I bring firsthand knowledge of the aeromedical certification process. My FAA/HIMS training covers the FAA's aeromedical standards and what the agency needs a report to contain, so I write reports that speak the FAA's language and address every required element.
45+ States, One License
I hold a PSYPACT license that allows me to see clients across more than 45+ states, making it easier to complete your evaluation regardless of where you're based.
Questions pilots ask about the Fast Track
What if I don't meet the Fast Track criteria?
You would be on the Standard Track, which requires a comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation, including the CogScreen-AE, from an FAA HIMS-qualified neuropsychologist. It takes longer and costs more, and the application is usually deferred to the FAA. Bring your history to the free consultation and I'll tell you which pathway applies before you spend money on the wrong one.
What is the difference between Fast Track and Standard Track?
Fast Track is a record review and clinical interview for pilots who have been off ADHD medication for four or more years with no current symptoms. Standard Track is a full neuropsychological testing battery for everyone else. The comparison above spells out who qualifies for each, what's involved, and what to expect on timeline and cost.
Can this be done by video instead of in person?
Yes, for eligible Fast Track cases. The FAA Fast Track Summary specifically allows the required clinical interview to be completed by on-screen video as well as in person. An audio-only call does not qualify. I see pilots by video nationwide, and in person at my Santa Ana office in Orange County, California, which is my only in-person location.
Should I schedule my AME appointment first?
No. Complete your Fast Track evaluation and gather all required documentation first. Going to your AME without it in hand typically results in a deferral to the FAA, which then controls the timeline.
Is $650 the full cost?
Yes. It covers the clinical interview, record review, FAA ADHD Summary, and clinical report. If you're experiencing financial hardship, contact me to discuss other payment options.
