The FAA is recruiting pilots attending SUN n’ FUN Aerospace Expo 2025 to participate in a PAID FAA research study. For this study, the FAA needs pilots 60 – 64 -years of age who have flown at least once in the last 6 months (includes training simulator time), and who hold a current FAA 3rd Class medical certificate (not BasicMed). The study session takes about 4 hours to complete and pays $300, dispersed immediately following participation!
Participation involves completing two computerized cognitive tests related to tasks such as working memory, attention, mental rotation, and multitasking performance. This study has received FAA Institutional Review Board (i.e., research ethics board) approval. The purpose of this study is to obtain pilot normative data for these computerized tests. The FAA uses these tests to help recertify pilots for flying following a medical event (e.g., stroke, head injury, certain medication). The results of this study will help ensure that aeromedical decision-making is based on the most current scientific data and will contribute to the safety of the national airspace system. FAA Cognitive Test PAID Study (Cogstudy) FAQs.
If you are planning to attend SUN ‘n FUN this year, we would like to schedule your participation in this important research.
To schedule, click the link below and complete the short form to select your top two preferred dates and times.
Participation Form Link
If you schedule, you will receive a follow-up phone call (or e-mail) from a third-party contractor, Cherokee Federal, to confirm your time slot. Note that depending on your phone provider, the call identifier may appear to be SPAM.
The FAA is depending on pilots like you to spread word about this paid research study. Please share this e-mail or our contact information with any pilots who may be interested in supporting this research.
For additional information or if you have further questions, please contact the FAA Research Team at:
Phone: (405) 954-2647
E-mail: cogstudy@faa.gov