What we offer
Assessment types
Psychological assessment
Structured clinical interview, mental status examination, diagnostic formulation and functional review addressing the CASA or DAME referral questions.
Psychometric assessment
Standardised, evidence-based inventories (mood, anxiety, personality, functioning) selected to fit the referral questions and the pilot's history.
Cognitive assessment
Assessment of attention, processing speed, memory and executive functioning where cognitive concerns or neurological history are relevant.
Neuropsychological assessment
Comprehensive neuropsychological testing for pilots with brain injury, concussion, stroke, seizure history or suspected cognitive decline.
Diagnostic clarification
Detailed assessment where a previous diagnosis (or absence of one) needs independent review — commonly ADHD, autism and mood conditions.
Return-to-flying assessment
Review of stability, treatment response, insight and functional readiness following mental illness, treatment or medication change.
We assess matters relevant to Class 1, Class 2 and Class 3 medical certification. The appropriate assessment depends on the referral questions, diagnosis under review and the pilot's history.
Aligned to CASA CPGs
Reports written to CASA's Clinical Practice Guidelines.
CASA publishes Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPGs) that direct how Designated Aviation Medical Examiners assess specific conditions. Our psychological, cognitive and neuropsychological reports are structured to answer the exact questions the CPGs raise — so your DAME and CASA Aviation Medicine can map our findings directly onto the framework they already use.
Every report is organised around the CPG decision points:
- Aeromedical implications — how the condition may affect attention, working memory, situation awareness, decision-making, impulsivity and emotional regulation in safety-critical aviation duties
- Risk factors — active symptoms, medication requirements, comorbidity, substance use and relapse indicators
- Approach to certification — condition status, treatment, demonstrated stability and disease-free interval
- Information required — history from date of diagnosis, specialist reports, functional/collateral evidence, cognitive or neuropsychological testing where indicated
- Indicative outcomes and surveillance — plain commentary on stability, relapse risk, protective factors and recommended follow-up
Psychology-relevant CPGs we routinely address include ADHD, anxiety disorders, depression, bipolar affective disorder, PTSD, autism spectrum, alcohol and substance use disorders, sleep disorders, head injury and post-concussive syndrome, cerebrovascular accident, seizure disorders, and cognitive impairment. Where a condition falls outside the published CPGs, we apply the same evidence-based framework so the report remains defensible.
The CASA Clinical Practice Guidelines are published by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority as guidance for DAMEs. Aviation Psychology Australia is independent of CASA. Certification decisions remain with CASA and the relevant aviation medical decision-makers.
Process
How the assessment works
- 01Submit the CASA letter or professional referral.
- 02Complete intake and consent forms.
- 03Provide all available historical reports and records.
- 04Authorise contact with relevant treating and assessing professionals.
- 05Initial clinical and document review.
- 06Confirm the assessment plan, estimated fees and required testing.
- 07Complete interviews and psychometric testing.
- 08Obtain further collateral information where required.
- 09Integrate historical, clinical, collateral and psychometric evidence.
- 10Independent report prepared for the referring professional or aviation medical process.
Timeframes depend on the complexity of the referral, the tests required, the availability of historical records, the responsiveness of previous treating professionals, and how quickly you provide everything to the psychologist. They also depend on whether further testing is required once the initial review is complete. We will provide a realistic estimate once we have reviewed the referral.
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FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What are CASA Clinical Practice Guidelines?
CASA's Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPGs) are the guidance documents that tell Designated Aviation Medical Examiners (DAMEs) how to assess specific medical and psychiatric conditions for aviation medical certification. They set out what information CASA needs, the aeromedical concerns for each condition, and the stability or testing usually required before certification can be considered.
Does my DAME have to follow the CASA CPGs?
Yes. DAMEs use the CPGs to assess whether a pilot meets the medical standards for a Class 1, 2 or 3 certificate. If your history includes a psychology-relevant condition — such as ADHD, anxiety, depression, PTSD, autism, substance use, head injury or cognitive concerns — the DAME will usually refer for a psychological or neuropsychological assessment that answers the questions raised in the relevant CPG.
What is the assessment pathway?
The pathway begins with the referral or CASA letter. We then review the records, confirm the scope of assessment, arrange interviews and psychometric testing, and prepare a report for the referring professional. The report is structured around the CPG decision points so the DAME can map our findings directly onto CASA's framework. We do not make certification decisions — we provide the independent clinical information CASA needs to make them.
What information do I need to provide?
Send us everything relevant to the condition under review. This typically includes the CASA letter or referral, prior psychological or psychiatric reports, GP and specialist letters, medication history, hospital or treatment records, and any previous cognitive or neuropsychological testing. Do not exclude records — incomplete or selective records can delay the process and may weaken the usefulness of the report.
Do you decide whether I get my medical certificate?
No. Aviation Psychology Australia is independent of CASA and DAMEs. We provide an expert psychological opinion and report that addresses the referral questions. Final certification decisions rest with CASA and the relevant aviation medical decision-makers.
How long will the assessment take?
Timeframes depend on the complexity of the referral, the tests required, how quickly you provide all records, and whether we need further information from treating professionals or additional testing once the initial review is complete. We provide a realistic estimate once we have reviewed the referral and records.
How much does the assessment cost?
Pricing is provided on enquiry. Once we have reviewed the referral, records and required testing, we issue a written scope of work and a fixed fee estimate before any assessment begins.
Fees
Fees and payment
Assessment fees depend on the type of assessment, the number of testing sessions, the volume of historical records to review and the complexity of the report. A written scope and fee estimate is provided in writing before you commit.
Pricing is provided on enquiry. Once we have reviewed the referral, records and required testing, we will issue a written scope of work and a fixed fee estimate before any assessment begins.
Independence
Our role and its limits
We provide an independent clinical opinion responding to the specific referral questions. We do not determine whether a medical certificate is issued, restored or renewed. Final certification decisions remain with CASA and the relevant aviation medical decision-makers.
Aviation Psychology Australia is an independent psychology practice and is not part of, employed by or endorsed by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority.