ADHD is one of the most documentation-intensive certification pathways — but it's well-defined. With the right records and evaluation, many pilots with ADHD history fly successfully.
Informational Use Only. The information on this page reflects our understanding of current FAA medical certification requirements and is provided for general educational purposes only. FAA policies, the AME Guide, and special issuance protocols are updated frequently and without notice. The FAA AME Guide and FAA Civil Aerospace Medical Institute (CAMI) are the authoritative sources in all cases. Nothing on this page constitutes legal or medical advice. Always verify current requirements directly with your Aviation Medical Examiner and the official FAA AME Guide at faa.gov/ame_guide before making any certification decisions.
Stimulant Medications Are Disqualifying
There is no FAA protocol allowing flight while using stimulant ADHD medications. You must be off stimulants for a defined period before evaluation. Do not stop medications without consulting your treating physician first.
The FAA uses a two-track system. Both require complete supporting records and an evaluation/report within 90 days of the AME exam. Understanding which applies determines the evaluation and testing needed.
Requires no ADHD medication use for any reason and no ADHD symptoms during the past four years, stable academic/occupational and social functioning throughout that period, and no disqualifying psychiatric, neurocognitive or neurodegenerative history. Apply the FAA's specific exceptions and every Fast Track criterion; a childhood diagnosis alone is insufficient.
For pilots with more complex histories — recent stimulant use, significant symptom burden, academic or performance history, or where Fast Track criteria are not met.
Match your situation to the most applicable scenario.
No ADHD medication or symptoms for four years, stable functioning and all Fast Track criteria met
Diagnosed as adult, currently stable, off medication
Currently taking stimulant ADHD medication (Adderall, Ritalin, Vyvanse, etc.)
Diagnosis uncertain — only school accommodations, no formal clinical evaluation
History of academic difficulties or performance concerns
The FAA's primary safety concern with ADHD is whether symptoms could impair the cognitive skills required for safe flight: attention, executive function, impulse control, and situational awareness.
Whether ADHD symptoms are present now and to what degree they may affect executive function, sustained attention, or decision-making during flight.
Document all ADHD medication use, dates, doses and reasons. Fast Track requires four years without use; Standard Track testing requires at least 90 days off ADHD medication after the treating clinician determines discontinuation is safe.
Standard Track requires in-person HIMS neuropsychological evaluation and FAA-specified testing, with separate amphetamine AND methylphenidate tests within 24 hours AFTER testing. A generic psychological evaluation or a single drug screen is insufficient.
ADHD frequently co-occurs with anxiety, depression, or mood disorders. The FAA will evaluate these together if they appear in your records.
Given the population-level overlap between ADHD and substance use, the FAA reviews any alcohol or drug history alongside the ADHD case.
Academic transcripts, employment history, pilot logbook, and performance records that demonstrate real-world evidence of adequate functioning.
Neuropsychological testing done outside FAA's required format or by an evaluator who doesn't know FAA specs
Missing either separately ordered amphetamine or methylphenidate testing, or the 24-hour AFTER-testing window under Standard Track
Personal statement is vague — FAA wants specific dates, medications, and insight
Incomplete stimulant medication history (pharmacy records help fill gaps)
Co-occurring anxiety or depression not addressed, then discovered in records
Submitting 'school records' of accommodations without formal diagnostic documentation
What sets our practice apart for ADHD certification cases.
HIMS Senior AME
FAA-designated HIMS Senior AME experienced in both ADHD Fast Track and Standard Track evaluations — knows exactly what the FAA expects.
Pilot, Not Just a Physician
Active corporate jet pilot (ATP, CFI, CFII, MEI) — understands what cognitive demands aviation actually places on a pilot.
Direct Physician Access
You work directly with the doctor. No case managers, no handoffs — one point of contact from consultation through certification.
Remote Consultations
Consultations available remotely for pilots nationwide who need guidance before ordering expensive testing.
Modern Patient Portal
A digital patient portal for HIMS phase tracking, document management, and progress visibility.
Two Arizona Locations
Flagstaff and Lake Havasu City offices — serving pilots across the Southwest and beyond.