Removes Some Specific Psychological Testing Requirements For Those Diagnosed With Gender Identity Disorder

New certification procedures released Monday by the FAA remove a requirement for additional psychological tests for pilots diagnosed with Gender Identity Disorder that were not required for other pilots.

Under the previous rules, transgender pilots were required to undergo psychological tests that some advocacy groups said prevented those pilots from working, and may have cost them their jobs. The Human Rights Campaign says on a blog that the new rules mean transgender pilots will be treated like their peers.

On the FAA website, the new rules state that Gender Identity Disorder (GID) and gender reassignment require a complete review of the individual’s relevant medical history and records. For initial consideration the Examiner must defer and submit the following to AMCD or RFS:

• A current status report to include:
  • All current medications, dosages, and side-effects; and
  • Copies of all pertinent inpatient and outpatient medical records pertaining to the individual’s GID diagnosis, work-up, and treatment.
  • Psychiatric and/or psychological evaluations by a board certified psychiatrist and/or a licensed psychologist experienced in transgender issues that includes an assessment of any substance abuse or misuse. Neurocognitive testing is not required unless clinically indicated.
  • Hospital and post-operative report from the surgeon if individual has had surgery.

If the individual refrains from surgery, no surgical report is required. However, if surgery is elected at a later date, follow-up reports from a psychiatrist and/or psychologist and the surgeon will be required.

FMI: www.faa.gov