Neurofibromatosis

Your step-by-step plan

1. 1

   Step 1: Neurological evaluation

   From the treating neurologist, for either type.Within 90 days before the exam

   A current, detailed neurological evaluation that meets FAA Specifications for Neurologic Evaluation, from a clinic visit with your treating neurologist, no more than 90 days before the exam.

   After brain surgery

   Brain surgery including resection of benign tumors that requires dural penetration (except resection of vestibular Schwannomas) requires a 2-year recovery period.

   Show the FAA's words: Neurological evaluation

   A current, detailed neurological evaluation that meets FAA Specifications for Neurologic Evaluation, generated from a clinic visit with the treating neurologist no more than 90 days before the AME exam.

   FAA source: Neurofibromatosis. FAA date 24 September 2025; checked by Crosscheck 14 October 2026.

   Note: Brain surgery including resection of benign tumors that requires dural penetration (except resection of vestibular Schwannomas) requires a 2-ye ar recovery period.

   FAA source: Neurofibromatosis. FAA date 24 September 2025; checked by Crosscheck 14 October 2026.

2. 2

   Step 2: Brain MRI

   With and without contrast, no more than 90 days before the exam.Within 90 days before the exam

   A brain MRI with and without contrast, no more than 90 days before the exam, as reports and CD.

   How images are sent

   • The interpretive report on paper
   • The images on CD in DICOM readable format, with a file named 'DICOMDIR' in the root directory of the CD-ROM
   • The CD verified to display the images before sending
   • A copy of all films kept, as a safeguard if lost in the mail

   Show the FAA's words: Brain MRI

   Brain MRI with and without contrast performed no more than 90 days before the AME exam (reports and CD)*.

   FAA source: Neurofibromatosis. FAA date 24 September 2025; checked by Crosscheck 14 October 2026.

   For all images (CT/MRI), submit the interpretive report on paper and imaging on CD in DICOM readable format (there must be a file named 'DICOMDIR' in the root directory of the CD-ROM). Please verify the CD will display the images before sending. Retain a copy of all films as a safeguard if lost in the mail.

   FAA source: Neurofibromatosis. FAA date 24 September 2025; checked by Crosscheck 14 October 2026.

3. 3

   Step 3: Eye evaluation and visual field test

   From the treating ophthalmologist, each within 90 days.Two things to bring

   • Eye evaluation

     Within 90 days before the exam

     An eye evaluation from a board-certified ophthalmologist (NOT optometrist): a current, detailed progress note from a clinic visit no more than 90 days before the exam.

     The note

     • A detailed summary of any eye conditions
     • Current medications, dosage and any side effects
     • Physical exam findings
     • Results of any testing performed
     • Diagnosis
     • Assessment and plan (prognosis)
     • Follow-up

   • Threshold visual field test

     Threshold visual field testing with good reliability (30-2 or 24-2), performed within the previous 90 days, interpreted by your treating ophthalmologist.

   Show the FAA's words: Eye evaluation and visual field test

   Eye evaluation from a board- certified ophthalmologist (NOT optometrist). Submit a current, detailed Clinical Progress Note, generated from a clinic visit with the treating ophthalmologist no more than 90 days before the AME exam. It must include a detailed summary of the any eye conditions; current medications, dosage, and side effects (if any); physical exam findings; results of any testing performed; diagnosis; assessment and plan (prognosis); and follow-up.

   FAA source: Neurofibromatosis. FAA date 24 September 2025; checked by Crosscheck 14 October 2026.

   Eye evaluation from a board-certified ophthalmologist (NOT optometrist). A current, detailed Clinical Progress Note generated from a clinic visit with the treating ophthalmologist no more than 90 days before the AME exam. It must include a detailed summary of the history of any eye conditions; current medications, dosage, and side effects (if any); physical exam findings; results of any testing performed; diagnosis; assessment; plan (prognosis); and follow-up.

   FAA source: Neurofibromatosis. FAA date 24 September 2025; checked by Crosscheck 14 October 2026.

   Threshold Visual field testing with good reliability (30-2 or 24-2) performed within the previous 90 days with an interpretation of the visual field testing by the treating ophthalmologist.

   FAA source: Neurofibromatosis. FAA date 24 September 2025; checked by Crosscheck 14 October 2026.

4. 4

   Step 4: Other imaging and testing

   Anything already done, or that your treating physician finds necessary.Two things to bring

   • Other neuroimaging already performed

     If already performed.

     If already performed.

     Any other neuroimaging, such as MRI of the spine, plexus or optic nerves, the most recent, if already performed, as reports and CD.

   • Other testing

     If your treating physician deems it clinically necessary.

     If your treating physician deems it clinically necessary.

     Any other testing deemed clinically necessary by your treating physician.

   Show the FAA's words: Other imaging and testing

   Any other neuroimaging such as MRI spine, plexus, optic nerves, or other areas, most recent, if already performed (reports and CD)*.

   FAA source: Neurofibromatosis. FAA date 24 September 2025; checked by Crosscheck 14 October 2026.

   Any other testing deemed clinically necessary by the treating physician.

   FAA source: Neurofibromatosis. FAA date 24 September 2025; checked by Crosscheck 14 October 2026.

5. 5

   Step 5: Neuropsychological evaluation

   Required in most cases; the kind depends on your history.

   A neuropsychological (NP) evaluation, required in most cases. The type may vary.

   The table says the applicant may want to wait until FAA review of the other items before obtaining NP testing.

   Which FAA specifications

   A history of cognitive impairment, brain lesion, or brain surgery

   FAA Specifications for Neuropsychological Evaluations for Potential Neurocognitive Impairment

   A history or suspicion of learning disability or ADHD

   FAA Specifications for Neuropsychological Evaluation for ADHD

   No history

   The FAA may accept an abbreviated evaluation after review of the other neurologic evaluation items

   Show the FAA's words: Neuropsychological evaluation

   Neuropsychological (NP) evaluation is required in most cases. The type of evaluation may vary. The applicant may want to wait until FAA review of other items above before obtaining NP testing. • If a history of cognitive impairment, brain lesion, or brain surgery: FAA Specifications for Neuropsychological Evaluations for Potential Neurocognitive Impairment is required; • If there is a history or suspicion of learning disability or ADHD: FAA Specifications for Neuropsychological Evaluation for ADHD is required needed; • If no history: FAA may accept an abbreviated evaluation after review of the other neurologic evaluation items.

   FAA source: Neurofibromatosis. FAA date 24 September 2025; checked by Crosscheck 14 October 2026.

   Neuropsychological (NP) evaluation is required in most cases. The type of evaluation may vary. The applicant may want to wait until FAA review of other items above before obtaining NP testing.

   • If a history of cognitive impairment, brain lesion, or history or brain surgery: FAA Specifications for Neuropsychological Evaluations for Potential Neurocognitive Impairment is required; • If there is a history or suspicion of learning disability or ADHD: FAA Specifications for

   …Neuropsychological Evaluation for ADHD is required; • If no history - FAA may accept an abbreviated evaluation after review of the other neurologic evaluation items.

   FAA source: Neurofibromatosis. FAA date 24 September 2025; checked by Crosscheck 14 October 2026.

6. 6

   Step 6: See your AME

   The table lists what to submit for FAA review, and the examiner defers and submits the information to the FAA for a possible Special Issuance.Exam day

   • The table lists what to submit for FAA review, and the examiner defers and submits the information to the FAA for a possible Special Issuance.

   Show the FAA's words: See your AME

   A. Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1) von Recklinghausen disease

   Submit the following for FAA review:

   …DEFER Submit the information to the FAA for a possible Special Issuance.

   FAA source: Neurofibromatosis. FAA date 24 September 2025; checked by Crosscheck 14 October 2026.

7. 7

   Step 7: After the FAA decides

   For Type 1, the FAA publishes an AASI. It says an FAA physician provides the initial certification decision and grants the Authorization, and that examiners may then reissue under the Authorization when the pilot provides what it lists.

   • For Type 1, the FAA publishes an AASI. It says an FAA physician provides the initial certification decision and grants the Authorization, and that examiners may then reissue under the Authorization when the pilot provides what it lists.

   Show the FAA's words: After the FAA decides

   AASI for Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1)

   …An FAA physician provides the initial certification decision and grants the Authorization in accordance with 14 CFR § 67.401.

   …AMEs may re-issue an airman medical certificate under the provisions of an Authorization, if the applicant provides the following:

   FAA source: AASI – Neurofibromatosis Type 1. FAA date 28 January 2026; checked by Crosscheck 14 October 2026.