Mayo Clinic Clear Approach Searching for the "Cog" in the Wheels of the Mind: Neuropsychology Testing in Pilots
Aug 8, 2025
Dr. Angie Buffington, an FAA-trained clinical neuropsychologist who evaluates pilots' cognitive fitness. She describes how testing is tailored for conditions like ADHD, TBI, and mood or substance histories. Short explanations cover test batteries, signs of poor effort, FAA protocols, and practical prep tips like sleep and nutrition.
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Cognition Is A Profile Not A PassFail
- Neuropsychologists use many tests to map cognitive strengths and weaknesses rather than a single pass/fail metric.
- Angie Buffington compares the process to a tool chest: tests target attention, memory, processing speed, language, and visuospatial skills to reveal patterns.
Son's Pilot Path Led Her Into Aerospace Neuropsychology
- Angie Buffington entered aerospace neuropsychology because her son wanted to be a commercial pilot and she noted a shortage of trained clinicians.
- Her son's flight training experience helped her learn aviation language and inform her practice.
Be Honest So Strengths Can Compensate For Weaknesses
- When tested, be candid and let your natural compensatory strategies show instead of trying to 'cover up' weaknesses.
- Neuropsychology identifies how strengths compensate for weaknesses; hiding deficits risks unsafe certification decisions.