Aviation Medicine

Is Tinea Versicolor going to DQ me on the flight physical, or even the initial physical for ROTC? I know other skin irritations do, but I didn't find anything on here about this one. I'll get into the specifics of my case (very mild) if there is reason for concern later. Thanks!

Doc, Thanks for looking in on this thread. Long story short(ish): Current rated senior pilot, ~3000 hrs My father had 2-3 blood clots when I was a little kid and has been on blood thinners ever since. When it happened, my parents got blood tests for my sister and I and they found that we had protein S deficiency. That was pretty much that and I had basically forgotten about it. That is until my sister got pregnant, got retested, and just reminded me that I have it too. Her retest showed that her level is 17 (I think normal is 60-150?) and her protein C was normal. She 'thinks' my level was lower than hers when we were kids (she was a bit older and appare…

I recently had the opportunity to hear some some folks from AFMSA and AFMOA speak, plus Lt Gen Robb. He was really good at talking without actually saying anything. https://www.health.mil/About-MHS/Leadership-Biographies/Lt-Gen-Douglas-J-Robb A common sentiment was that if one service has an existing medical program or solution that does 95+% of what that service wants, but one or two of the other services has a program or solution that can perform 80+% for the whole DOD, the DOD MHS will push to adopt that 80% solution in the belief of interoperability and work to make it a 95% solution at a later date. The logic is that division and stovepiping capabilities, th…

I'm submitting a package for UFT (currently a C-130 Nav, trying to go RPA), and I'm trying to wrap my head around why my current FC1A does not fulfill the requirements of an FC2. Can anyone explain the differences between the two physicals? Common sense would suggest that a FC1A would be more restrictive than the FC2, but apparently not. Also, when I go in for my PHA, why is it so crazy to suggest they do a FC2 during the same visit?

Hey guys, If I have monofixation disorder, what is the liklihood I could get a waiver to become a USAF Combat Systems Officer? I don't think I could pass that depth perception test and am just curious if they would waiver it or just disqualify me. If I can't would Navy NFO work? Thanks, George

Will having them disqualifiy me from flight training? I have no symptoms at all (no pain or discomfort), but they are noticable on a small portion of my left thigh. Also, if I get them removed via Endovenous Laser Therapy (for the mere fact of passing the physical since they don't bother me at all), will having had this procedure disqualify me? Thanks [ 30 March 2003, 12:02: Message edited by: akondog ]

All, I’m an USMC F/A-18 IP on terminal leave with the desire to TX to the AFRES/ANG. I was offered a position with a fighter unit but need a medical waiver. Does anyone have some guidance on who I should speak to about the process ahead? Much thanks for any assistance.

I've already got my wings and am currently flying in my MWS (multi-crew member aircraft...not pointy nose type). I've suffered many ankle sprains playing football in college. The orthopedic surgeon at one time suggested that I would need to seriously look into have a "modified brostrum" procedure to be performed on my ankle. If I lay down on a table, with my ankle overhanging the edge, all a doctor would have to do is place his one hand and push down on my shin, and with the other, pull up behind the heel and see my enitre foot slip up and down about a good inch or so. I guess this is due to the amount and number of times the ligaments on the outer portion of th…

Back in May, I commissioned as a CSO candidate and was supposed to start my training next week. This came following a roller coaster of medical testing and having to get approval. To make a long story short, I had a siezure following a head injury when I was a child which intitially DQ'ed me; however my Colonel contacted the SG who determined that due to the amount of time since the injury and the fact that I have had no problems since, I should be able to take the FC-1 physical. I took the physical and they told me I passed. Then last week I get a call saying that the SG wanted some more testing to be done before the physical was approved, which rendered my commission…

Edited for CYA. Good advice though, read and heeded.

I've passed my flight physical, but I see once one arrives at your UPT base you have to go through a few more medical exams before you're officially medically qualified. I see the list as "Audiogram, Optical, PHA, and Dental". Is this experience pretty similar to getting your initial flight physical done all over again, or more like a typical check-up with your doctor? I'm not a huge fan of things completely out of my control, so some more information on this process is appreciated. It's been a while since I had my flight physical so hopefully I'm still able to pass all those tests the same.

Was looking through the forum and only found passing mention to it. was wondering what exactly was waiver-able about it, if anything at all? im going in for a eye test before i start my journey, in the past i have been border line for depth perception issue but i also have slight myopia that may have contributed to it. im going in for a retest to make sure even with the correction there is no issues with depth perception/diplopia . if i do have confirmed diplopia, am i pretty much screwed when it comes to flying?

Is rhinoplasty a disqualifying factor? If so, is there a waiver for it?

Problem solved

Has anyone taken this stuff? Was on leave in Central America and experienced "travelers diarrhea". Cause unknown, most likely local water. In an effort to curtail my symptoms I took this stuff on a local doctors recommendation. You can get this at the local pharmacy and all it is is a set of probiotic vials w/ a set of pills. BL, do you think I am required to tell the flight doc I took it upon my return or no? It did work and I feel fine now. Thanks

I have my FC1 in 1 week. Last week, I had my wisdom teeth pulled and was prescribed Vicodin for pain and Amoxicilin for antibiotics. I was under general anesthesia, so I was also given Valium and some IV sedatives (Demerol, Midazolam) on the morning of the surgery. I know that Vicodin is a narcotic...will this cause a problem on the drug-screen? I don't know much about drugs...what about the other drugs like the Valium or Midazolam? I stopped taking Vicodin the morning after the surgery b/c Advil worked better. It'll be 2 weeks exactly between my last dose of Vicodin and the morning of my FC1. I have a letter from my dentist that explains the procedure and lists all…

This might be a very stupid question (as I hope it is). Would being born premature (7 weeks in my case, no health issues from it) be an issue for an FC1? The only reason I ask is because it's listed as part of my health history on a medical report. Hopefully I'm not about to open up a can of worms. Thanks in advance.

All, Welcome Jedi Doc as the newest moderator to the forum. Current flight doc who has been given moderator access to the aviation medicine section.

Howdy everyone, Nice forum btw, im glad I ran across it. Anyways, just wondered if the aforementioned condition would cause any problems if I wanted to become an F16 pilot. Little background on this thing, I had the operation when I was about 6 months old. It is a very intrusive operation (brain could be seen). But this was over 21 years ago; I have not had any side effects because of this operation. The only thing that it did was give me a sweet scar right down the middle of my head. There are also some abnormal dips in my skull, but nothing to bad. But no mental side affects what so ever. I am an honor student who should be transferring to the University of Texas …

Hello all, I was recently picked up ANG and haven’t been able to consult with the base Flight Surgeon yet to discuss my waver chances. My dependent Tri-Care Medical Record show a 4 year history of Asthma, classified “Mild to Intermittent”. I was on albuterol and Advair. I stopped taking medication at age 11 years and 7 months. Haven’t taken asthma medication since. Fast Forward to age 19 ( after realizing my dream to kick ISIS ass via sky), I wanted to be prepared for the upcoming asthma waver challenge. I scheduled a pulmonologist visit and PASSED a MCT, indicating no longer handicapped via asthma. 1. Going forward what are my chances to get a wave…

I got out at ADSC after flying for 12 years and have been out completely for 1.5 years now (not in IRR). I just got hired for a flying position at a ANG unit and have just begun the process with their recruiter. I'm looking for advice on navigating the process smoothly, especially the medical part. Since I have 10% VA Disability for Tinnitus and 10% for knee pain the recruiter asked me to get an independent evaluation by my current doctor. I plan to submit those findings and hopefully will be approved to go to MEPS. I'd appreciate any gotchas specific or general that come to mind with medical and navigating the break in service. Thanks in advance!

I have been getting my push ups in and I developed a ganglion cyst (diagnosed) which has caused me pain in the pushup position. I've been able to continue doing a lower pushup count on my knuckles, but anytime my wrist is extended a certain way, I get pain. After the cortisone shot worked and faded, my PA recommended removal and said she does this all the time on military guys. The only healing is two weeks after for the incision. I'd like to do it, it's not urgent but I can't see a better time to do it than now before I go to OTS. Will this jeopardize my UPT pilot slot if I opt for removal? I've already passed the FC1 and MEPS, who would I go to to a…

Hello all, Im new to this forum, and yesterday found out that I would need surgery on my jaw to correct my bite. My back teeth come together though my front teeth have a gap between the top and bottom. The orthodontist told me this is in no way urgent, or serious, though it could cause problems later in my 40's or 50's (I'm 22 now) This does not affect my speech or anything at all, just mainly a slight comfort issue right now. My main goal is to fly in the military, and I was wondering if anyone knows if this is something that I should wait to do well into my career, or if this needs immediate attention. Any help is appreciated. Thanks!

Hey everybody! I'm a pilot select who's hopefully looking at June 26th for his OTS class. Finally, 10 months after selection , I've got my flight physical back from Wright-Patt. When I went in January, it was a single day: getting my eyes check out, teeth, hearing, all the fun stuff. Later, I was told there would be second part that I would return for. My recruiter wasn't very detailed but he told me it would be some cognitive tests at the building across the parking lot from the Flight Med Clinic. Fast forward to last week, I get that initial physical returned and am immediately told that I'm good to go for my June 26th class. When I voiced concerns about…

Has anyone else's FC1 appointments been cancelled? What all are you hearing back?