FAA Evaluations
FAA Evaluations
Dr. Cristi Salinas helps aspiring and current pilots complete required FAA testing to obtain or maintain their pilot’s license. Evaluations are completed per FAA guidelines promptly to ensure as little interruption to flight schedules as possible. Dr. Salinas understands the urgency of completing testing thoroughly and quickly to help pilots get back in the air.
Dr. Salinas is on the FAA’s designated HIMS Neuropsychology list. HIMS designated neuropsychologists have special training to test the cognitive functioning of pilots and air traffic controllers
Dr. Salinas is one of the few neuropsychologists in the country who are on the FAA’s designated HIMS Neuropsychology list. HIMS designated neuropsychologists have specialized training to test the cognitive functioning of pilots and air traffic controllers.
Dr. Salinas has undergone comprehensive training with FAA experts so that she can administer a gold standard test in the aviation industry called the CogScreen-AE-2. As a HIMS Neuropsychologist, Dr. Salinas is competent with normative test data for the general population and she also compare’s client results to aviator-specific norms.
What is an FAA-mandated Neuropsychological Evaluation?
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) may require some individuals to complete neuropsychological testing to obtain, or maintain, their medical certification. Typically, this process starts when you are seen by an Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) who reviews your history. This examination ensures you have no disqualifying conditions that would prevent you from being granted medical certification. This certification is required for most types of pilot licenses.
In some cases, if a pilot is found to have a disqualifying condition like ADHD, they likely will not be granted medical certification without additional steps being taken. For example, an experienced pilot may have sustained a traumatic brain injury or stroke, substance abuse issues, or other mental health challenges like depression throughout life. These qualifying conditions would require an existing pilot to complete an FAA evaluation to maintain their medical certification. Pilots are typically referred for neuropsychological testing to assist in determining their eligibility.
What is the purpose of the Neuropsychological Evaluation?
The purpose of evaluating a pilot’s eligibility for medical certification is safety to the pilot and the public. By assessing cognitive and emotional functioning, issues may pose a risk to the safety of the airman, their passengers, or the general public. Pilots have enormous responsibility and pressure on them each time they take off. Completing evaluations helps ensure everyone makes it safely back to the runway.
Why Choose Dr. Cristi Salinas
for your FAA Evaluation?
Dr. Salinas is a world-renowned neuropsychologist widely recognized as a leading expert in brain functioning. Dr. Salinas is committed to providing comprehensive, passionate care for all her clients. She fully understands the importance of an FAA Evaluation and ensures it is completed timely and accurately.
How to prepare for your FAA Evaluation
Pilots understand how vital this testing is to the future of their careers and often ask if there is any way to prepare for the evaluation. The test is set up by design to present unique situations and tasks that cannot be studied ahead of time. Dr. Salinas recommends that a good night’s sleep before testing is the best way to prepare.
