Substance Abuse

1. If not previously submitted, all records covering prior psychiatric hospitalizations and/or other periods of observation or treatment are required. These records must be in sufficient detail to permit a clear evaluation of the nature and extent of any previous mental disorders.

   A current report of examination by a qualified psychiatrist is required. (Preferably, the psychiatrist is board certified and experienced in the diagnosis and treatment of all types of addictions). Your personal physician is often a good source for a referral.

   All pertinent medical records and professional reports should be made available to the psychiatrist at the time of the evaluation. The examination report should be in sufficient detail and depth to permit an accurate evaluation of the petitioner's interval history and his/her current psychiatric status. Past personal history, family history, and current mental status should be included.

   An evaluation by a qualified clinical psychologist. (A qualified psychologist is preferably one with a state license or certification with a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology or who is listed in the National Register of Health Service Providers in Psychology). The applicant may contact the local psychological association for a referral. The specialist should be experienced in administering the psychological test battery listed below.

   Evidence pertaining to the quality of recovery should be included. An opinion as to whether there is a history of addiction should be based upon the definitions found in the Federal Aviation Regulations, Sections 67.107, .207, .307 (a) (4) and (b):

   Substance Dependence: As used in this section, means a condition in which a person is dependent on a substance, other than tobacco or ordinary xanthine-containing (e.g., caffeine) beverages.

   Substance Abuse: (no substance abuse within the preceding 2 years). As used in this section, means use of a substance in a situation in which that use was physically hazardous, if there has been at any other time an instance of the use of a substance also in a situation in which that use was physically hazardous.

2. A report of psychological evaluation is also required. A qualified clinical psychologist (preferably one with a state license or certification with a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology or who is listed in the National Register of Health Service Providers in Psychology) should administer this evaluation.

   The report needs to include a battery of psychological tests and a copy of the test protocols. The battery should include:

   1. Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale—Revised (WAIS-R);
   2. The Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI-2/MMPI); and
   3. As considered appropriate by the specialist, any three or more of the remaining tests or their equivalents:
   1. A cognitive function-screening test such as Trails Making Test, Category Test, (Booklet or Machine) or a memory scale (Wechsler Memory Scale, California Verbal Learning Test, Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test).
   2. A projective test such as the Rorschach or Sentence Completion.
   3. A personality inventory test such as the NEO-R, the Personality Assessment Inventory, or the Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory (MCMI).
   4. A symptom-screening test such as the Beck or Hamilton for depression, or the MAST for Alcoholism.

The evaluating psychologist should select the particular test based upon his or her experience and by considering the individual issues involved.

How/Where to Submit to the FAA

Helps you find the contact information for submitting your medical records.

Updated April 2016