Skip navigation links for other audiencesPaths Center Location
Pths Center Associates
Paths Center Blog
Paths Center Contact
Assessments: Pilots
Pilots:
Neuropsychological Evaluation
 

 

Dr. David Mirich conducts neuropsychological evaluations with impaired or potentially impaired pilots who are referred due to concerns with flight performance, including substance abuse issues, flight training issues, brain injury, or medical monitoring issues, such as HIV.

 

To qualify for an Airman Medical Certificate, a commercial airline pilot is required to conform to the medical standards specified in the Federal Aviation Regulations, Medical Standards and Certification, Part 67, Subpart B, 67.107, 2001.  Under these regulations it is specified that a commercial pilot must have "No established medical history or clinical diagnosis. . . of substance dependence. . . or substance abuse. . . " to be eligible to hold an Airman Medical Certificate.

 

Therefore, at the time in which a commercial pilot has been identified with a substance abuse/dependence problem, s/he is then medically grounded.  The pilot is then referred to a doctor qualified and knowledgeable in the area of substance abuse/dependency for diagnosis.


If diagnosed with a substance abuse/dependence problem in later requesting that his or her Airman Medical Certificate be reissued, the pilot is required to demonstrate ". . .satisfactory evidence of recovery (DOT, FAA, Specifications for Psychiatric and Psychological Evaluations In Cases Involving Substance Abuse/Dependence, 1997).  According to Dr. Robert Elliott, "The clearest evidence of satisfactory recovery is completion of an inpatient treatment program, a comprehensive recovery program, and medical, psychological/neuropsychological and psychiatric fitness.”


Upon discharge from a substance abuse inpatient treatment program the pilot can apply for a Special Issuance of the medical certificate (Subpart E, 67.401) which, if granted, will allow the pilot to resume flying.  However, the pilot must first undergo comprehensive medical, psychiatric and neuropsychological/psychological evaluations.  The FAA maintains and distributes a list of qualified doctors that are eligible to conduct the special issuance evaluations.


The purpose of the psychological evaluation is to determine whether there are any significant neurological, cognitive, affective and/or psychomotor deficits as an artifact of the substance abuse/dependence.  Alcoholism and drug addiction can lead to temporary or chronic brain damage.  The neuropsychological/psychological evaluation can help to functional problems and possible damage to the brain and/or nervous system.  After treatment, it is also important to closely examine any remaining psychological or other emotional problems of the substance abuse and dependence related recovery.  The evaluation is designed to provide any relevant diagnoses that can assist and inform the development of a treatment plan.


Oftentimes a substantial period of time will be needed following treatment in order for the body and mind to recover from the adverse effects of the alcohol or drug action.  The evaluation typically takes after several weeks of sobriety or longer in order to divide a clear and accurate picture of the pilot’s recovery progress.  The neuropsychological evaluation and any follow-up are medically important in order to document any changes in behavior or personality, or in the area of cognition.  This information is important in the decision-making process that follows the evaluation, and also guides any adjustment in the treatment plan.