Aviation Medicine

Morning Gents, Wasn't sure wether to post this here or “what are my chances” but anyway, I just had an ankle fracture requiring surgery. Doc put some screws and a plate in. I’m 24y/o, about half way through my PPL studying up for the AFOQT, planning on finishing around early summer. Obviously depending on how it heals (surgery was today), does anyone think this would affect my chances of getting a slot/have any advice on the matter? I’m healthy otherwise, just wanted to get some opinions. Thanks guys👍

I'm just now in the process of applying for OTS and UPT. Does anyone know if having a vasectomy will complicate your flight physical? I haven't had one yet, but I'm considering it. Thanks. -turtle

Is there even a process for this? I have some pretty significant sinus issues and am looking at taking a new medication that is not approved. I won’t even consider it if it forces a DQ, but if there is a process to get it approved, I’d be interested in knowing what it is. The FAA has approved it on a case by case basis, but I also realize that they are much more permissive in that regard. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

I have been diagnosed with a medical condition that is disqualifying for ALL initial, untrained (which I am) FCs, and is not waiverable. However, it is not a permanent condition, medically (it can be controlled), though the Air Force might view it as such, given that it is in my history and could resurface in the future if I do the wrong things...namely, eat the wrong foods for a long time. My question is, does anyone know if an "X" in the MSD or a "NO" in Waiver Guide means a PERMANENT disqualification/non-waiverable status? Or, does it just mean non-waiverable so long as the condition exists? Is there some way to determine if the Air Force medical standards system …

Looking for some flight doc advice for if this will be an issue for wright pat for a FC1. I received a spiral fracture to my left fibula, in JAN19. I have retained hardware (7 screws 1 plate a button on the inner side of the ankle with a titanium suture from the inner ankle to the outer side of the ankle called a "tight rope" for stability for healing). I am an Army Pilot and I know that there are differences between services, however I didn't require any medical waivers, and it healed perfectly and I have a 2992 in hand for resuming flight duties about 4 months after it happened. I would like to get the hardware removed, would keeping it in impact my…

I have had 2 pneumothoraxes 3 years apart. Will this be a problem down the road?

Hi all, I am considering once I graduate from graduate school pursuing a pilot slot. I have a rather unique and personal medical question and would appreciate if any flight surgeons would be willing to shoot me a message. Thanks, StressedOutGradStudent

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

I've been asking around..sort of a back of the envelope survey. Any of the medics have an opinion on whether Gamma Globulin might be protective long term against the Cov-19 virus? Those I have asked "seem" to have avoided it so far. Strictly anecdotal.

Hello all, Wanted to share my MEPs experience for anyone who might be going soon or in the future - for you "off the street" folks like me. I had some nerves about it because of the horror stories I've heard (some of my friend's got DQ'd for stuff that would make you cringe - pilot slot gone forever) but I definitely would say personally that my day got better as it went on. A couple of key points: Dress professionally - you are going for a pilot slot aren't you? I wore khaki's and a button down tucked in with dress shoes. There were some kids who looked like scrubs - and I noticed they got treated very differently. Sit up str…

Anyone know where I can find the latest waiver guide or medical standards directory?

My question is simple. I know that having migraines disqualifies you for a pilot position, but I also read that if you have not had a migraine in over a year you can be considered for a waiver. Is this true and have any of you heard of someone receiving a waiver although they have had migraines in the past? If anyone has any info about migraines and waivers or knows anyone how has info about migraines and waivers please let me know. Thanks for your help!

An 18 year old high school graduate is interested in enlisting in the Air National Guard. Recruiter says that since he answered that he has seen a mental health counselor for depression, that he is ineligible for service until 3 years since seeing the counselor. Reviewing the Air Force Waiver Guide, I'm finding different information than what the recruiter conveyed. Additionally, I'm not sure what the appropriate "Flying Class" is for this particular individual. Page 567 shows Table 1: Waiver potential for mood disorders. Said individual's goal is to be a Crew Chief. My main point of confusion is these two notes under the table; The first of the…

A couple of years ago I developed a sensitivity to gluten. The symptoms aren't severe, just an upset stomach and a lot of bloating after eating. Ever since than I've been on a gluten free diet. (Never diagnosed with a gluten intolerance but Celiac did come up negative). After looking through the Wavier guide https://www.wpafb.af.mil/Portals/60/documents/711/usafsam/USAF-Waiver-Guide-200513.pdf it mentions that Celiac is an immediate no but only glazes over the topic of a gluten intolerance. Being a pilot in the air force is my dream so I figured I would ask you guys instead of a recruiter right away since flying is what you specialize in. Would something…

I have questions about a mild thoracic scoliosis c-curve that I have. It formed when I was a preteen but it's never affected me in any way. I've been cleared by a doctor to play hockey, baseball, race BMX and skateboard. I have no pain. I've seen a Chiropractor who has given civilian clearance to many who enlist but she's never worked with a pilot candidate before. I've also been seen by an Army doctor and was told my curve is fine to enlist. It's under 30 degrees but in the low 20s. My Chiropractor recommends I see her and a physical therapist and we can work to reduce it (will be doing so either way). Can this effect me getting a pilot slot and not passing the flying ph…

Just got the memo that I got my FC1 scheduled. Working on getting all the items squared away that are required 5 business days upon receipt of the memo. This part is confusing me a bit. "If you have had an FAA exam (any class) within the past 36 months, you do not need to complete this step; please continue to step 4. FAA Class III medical/student pilot certificates are now valid for 5 years." I have a valid Class III FAA Medical right now, but its been more than 36 months since I received it. Do they just want me to sign up/register anyway. I'm assuming its so they can renew it at the end of the FC1 and not have to worry about it lapsing, even though I w…

Anyone else having extremely long wait times to have a 2992 signed by the NGB SG ? Sent from my iPhone using Baseops Network mobile app

Current ANG rated guy, thinking about applying to med school. Live in great location and have custody of kids here. Big picture question, in the event I get accepted, is there an avenue where ANG would/could pay for med school? Fully understand there would be some sort of “medical commitment” I’m only finding AD commitment stuff online, which is a no-go do to custody issues referenced above Thanks for any and all help -Chem

Hello all I have a pilot slot with an AF Reserve unit, and I am currently processing a waiver with the Air Force Reserve Surgeon General. I have been told it is a waiverable issue, although sometimes doesn’t go through unfortunately, and this may be the case this time. My question is, do Air National Guard and AF Reserve both use different waiver approving authorities at the Surgeon General level? I was told, that both Reserve and Air National Guard use different waiver approving authorities (AF Reserve uses AF Reserve Surgeon General, and ANG uses State Air Surgeon) I am looking at the worst case scenario, in case it doesn’t go through, …

I am looking for some information about the waiver process. I was hired by an Air Force Reserve unit and DQ and was DQ at MEPS for a history of chondromalacia. Passed everything at MEPS and all the info was sent on for the flight physical which was denied. Is there a way to see why I was denied the flight physical beyond the basic "Because of MEPS Chondromalacia DQ" that I am hearing from my recruiter? I would like to know what the specific concern is or if there is a piece of information they want to see or if it's just a hard no. Any recruiters know if such info exists or can be requested?

"I've heard about them"..."not sure if they exist"..."I've heard a rumor"..."only if you were born on a Thursday, then you can get one". :confused: I have come back to these comments time and time again when thinking about this subject. As a highly determined applicant, the word "waiver" was music to my ears (course all of these questions popped into my head at the same time). Anyone else in the same boat as me? I appreciate any replys: How hard is it to obtain a moral waiver? waivers in general? Can you personally participate in the efforts to obtain a waiver, or are you completely out of the loop? Any sources out there that might explain the waiver…

Hello everyone, I'm currently a Junior in highschool looking to join rotc in college, most likely navy to become a pilot, hopefully fighters, and was wondering if my hypothyroidism which is controlled with levothyroxine would dq me from the military. Some people on other forums have said you can't take any kind of daily medicine so I'm just wondering if that would be an issue or if it's something I can get a waiver for. Thank you.

So I’ve done quite a bit of research on the topic. Based on what I’ve found, BAV is disqualifying for all classes of flight. It is, however, waiverable. That’s where I’m a little confused. Moderate aortic regurgitation is waiverable for FCII and for low G aircraft but it is not waiverable for FCI. Does that mean that flying for the Air Force, ANG, or reserves just isn’t an option for me? I have moderate leakage. No other issues. No symptoms. Just happened to be found on an echo I had done due to family history or heart issues. Based on my understanding, I could fly heavies under FCII but since I can’t pass FCI I can’t fly heavies. Am I understanding that correctly? Any in…

I had a single episode of atrial fibrillation earlier this year that was caused by low magnesium and dehydration. Labs and ekg confirmed that a-fib went away, and I had low magnesium. I was on medication for a month, but was taken off under the direction of my cardiologist. I otherwise have a healthy heart, as confirmed by an ultrasound of my heart. I haven't had an episode since, and I just go back for a checkup in about a month. I know I'll have to disclose it to the FAA, but would the AF look at this physical? Any advice for moving forward would be greatly appreciated. P.S. I already messaged stuckindayton, and he said he wasn't experienced in it.

Has anyone had issues with blood tests before that have been approved or dq'd? I recently moved to a new base with high elevation and I'm pretty sure that it why my hemoglobin is testing barely too high. I'm a cso now and have never had any health issues. The clinic here has been running a ton of tests on me and can't find anything wrong. They keep trying to find something to explain the high level even though the doc said it's probably because I've always lived at sea level and just moved to a high elevation. Is this something I should expect a DQ from?