The ADHD Fast Track and Standard Track

Last updated October 5, 2026

Pilots and air traffic control specialists (ATC) with a history of ADHD or ADHD medication can be certified. If you've had no ADHD medication, treatment, symptoms, or instability in the past 4 years, you may qualify for the FAA's Fast Track. Everyone else goes through the Standard Track, which requires testing by a HIMS-trained neuropsychologist and FAA review.

The FAA lays this out in its ADHD pathway chart and ADHD disposition table. The same requirements apply if you were diagnosed with or treated for ADD.

Which track applies to you starts with one question.

Have you taken ADHD medication within the last four years?

Documents you'll need

Both tracks start with the same paperwork, from the FAA's ADHD Document Checklist. Send all of it to your psychologist or neuropsychologist before your appointment:

  • Pharmacy records from the last 4 years
  • Medical records related to your ADHD diagnosis and treatment
  • Any other evaluation or treatment records related to ADHD or learning issues, such as from a psychiatrist, psychologist, therapist, school counselor, education specialist or teacher, speech therapist, or occupational therapist
  • Medical records for any other condition that was treated with ADHD medication
  • Driver's license records from every state that issued you a license in the last 4 years
  • Academic records: all transcripts through your highest grade or degree, and any 504 Plans, Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), or records of academic or workplace accommodations
  • Your personal statement

Make a copy of everything, because you'll also bring it to your AME to upload to your FAA record. Your evaluator may ask for your full FAA medical file. To have it sent straight to them, submit FAA Form 8065-2, Request for Airman Medical Records.

Your personal statement

Both tracks require a personal statement that follows the FAA's ADHD personal statement guidelines. It must be typed, signed, and dated, and include your name and either your PI number or date of birth. Answer each point in detail, not just yes or no:

  1. Why you sought treatment or an evaluation for ADHD
  2. What symptoms and behaviors you had
  3. Why you were prescribed ADHD medication or other treatment
  4. Every medication prescribed or otherwise used, with approximate dates and the reason for any changes
  5. Whether the medication helped, and if so, in what circumstances and for how long
  6. Whether treatment improved your academic, work, or social life, and how
  7. Any side effects, and what you did to reduce them
  8. Everyone involved in diagnosing and treating your ADHD, such as a teacher, school counselor, therapist, psychologist, primary care physician, psychiatrist, or education specialist
  9. Any other diagnosis, such as depression, anxiety, OCD, autism spectrum disorder, or oppositional defiant disorder
  10. Any learning disorder, such as dyslexia or difficulty with reading or math
  11. How you were diagnosed: interviews with you or with others, questionnaires, computer testing, or psychological testing. If no testing was done, say so
  12. How your symptoms changed over time, and if they're gone, since when
  13. Coping strategies you learned, and whether you still use them
  14. Your current symptoms and behaviors. If you have none, say so and give the date they resolved

Who does the evaluation

For the Fast Track, a doctoral level Psychologist or Neuropsychologist can do the records review and interview. Although the FAA does not require the Fast Track to be completed by a HIMS/aviation psychologist/neuropsychologist, some applicants opt to use one given their knowledge of FAA requirements. The Standard Track requires a HIMS-trained neuropsychologist, who does the testing in person. Every neuropsychologist in our directory is HIMS trained.

Find an evaluator: Aviation Psychologists · Aviation Neuropsychologists · HIMS AMEs

Frequently asked questions

Can you be a pilot with ADHD?

Yes. The FAA has two pathways for pilots and air traffic control specialists with a history of ADHD or ADHD medication. If you've had no ADHD medication, treatment, symptoms, or instability in the past 4 years, you may qualify for the Fast Track. Otherwise, the Standard Track applies, and the FAA reviews your case for a possible Special Issuance.

Can I fly while I go through the ADHD process?

No. Under 14 CFR 61.53, don't fly until you have an authorization from the FAA. Air traffic control specialists should report the information to their RFS office right away.

Can pilots take Adderall or other ADHD medication?

No. The FAA considers taking ADHD medication, for any reason and including as needed use, incompatible with aviation safety. If you're currently taking it, your AME will defer and send your case to the FAA.

How long do I need to be off ADHD medication before testing?

At least 90 days before the Standard Track evaluation and testing. Make any decision to stop with your prescribing physician.

What is the FAA ADHD Fast Track?

A shorter pathway for people with no ADHD medication, treatment, symptoms, or instability in the past 4 years and no other psychiatric diagnosis. A doctoral level psychologist or neuropsychologist reviews your records, interviews you, and completes the Fast Track FAA ADHD Summary and a report for your AME.

Is the Fast Track FAA ADHD Summary required?

No, but the FAA says it streamlines your case and significantly decreases FAA review time. For pilots, it's what allows the AME to issue a medical certificate at the exam.

Can the Fast Track evaluation be done virtually?

Yes. The records review and evaluation can be done virtually, but the interview must be face to face on screen, not audio only. Standard Track testing must be done in person.

How recent does the evaluation need to be?

The evaluation and report must be done within 90 days of your AME exam. This applies to both tracks.

What documents do I need for an FAA ADHD evaluation?

Pharmacy records from the last 4 years, medical and treatment records related to ADHD, records from anyone else who evaluated or treated you for ADHD or learning issues, driver's license records from the last 4 years, all academic transcripts and any 504 Plans, IEPs, or accommodation records, and a personal statement. The FAA ADHD Document Checklist has the full list.

What goes in the ADHD personal statement?

Your diagnosis and medication history, answered in detail: why you sought an evaluation, your symptoms, every medication with approximate dates, whether it helped, side effects, who diagnosed and treated you, any other diagnoses, how your symptoms changed, coping strategies, and your current symptoms. It must be typed, signed, and dated, with your name and your PI number or date of birth.

Can my AME issue my medical under the Fast Track?

For pilots, yes, if everything on the FAA ADHD Summary is in the NO column, the AME has no concerns, and you're otherwise qualified. For air traffic control specialists, the AME must defer to the FAA.

I was diagnosed with ADD, not ADHD. Does this apply to me?

Yes. ADHD replaced the former name ADD, and the same requirements apply if you were diagnosed with or took medication for ADD.

What if I also have a history of anxiety or depression?

Any other psychiatric diagnosis, current or historical, puts you on the Standard Track. The exception is anxiety, depression, and related conditions that qualify for the FAA's Anxiety, Depression, and Related Conditions Fast Track Pathway.

FAA sources

This guide is general educational information for pilots and air traffic control specialists. It is not medical, legal, or aeromedical advice, and it is not affiliated with the FAA. Requirements change and every case is different. Always confirm your situation with your AME, a HIMS AME, and your treating physician.