Aviation Medicine

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?

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

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…

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 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…

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…

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…

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

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.

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

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 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…

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.

recently took a Pulmonary Function Test (PFT) at FCI because I was born a few weeks early. didn't pass - apparently my bronchial tubes are somewhat obstructed and all my measurables were 'below normal.' I've got no asthma history, no history of inhaler use, never smoked, have played sports all my life (including college football), recently ran a half marathon at a pretty good clip, and have never had any difficulty breathing. despite all of this, flight surgeon at FCI said the chances of my waiver getting approved for a below-normal PFT are 'iffy at best.' does anyone else have any history with poor PFT results? I'm getting a second PFT test in the…

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👍

Just as the question states.

I had LASIK Surgery in July of 2017 and corrected to 20/20 in both eyes. I have a contracted flight spot coming out of AFROTC graduating and am commissioning June of 2020. I received my final IFC-1 clearance in October. I passed the vision component with 20/20 vision but it has since degraded to 20/40 in my right eye. I have free enhancements under the original procedure plan. Do I have to have approval from the Air Force to undergo this procedure and would I lose my FC-1 classification? What is the right way to go about getting this enhancement without endangering my medical clearance? Thanks for any help in advance.

Hey guys. So I’m a current rated C-17 pilot. I just had a contact exam and they upped my contact prescription to -3.0 power in both eyes. Said vision was 20/200 but easily corrected to 20/20 and no issues. My question is how does this usually play out if/when my eyes worsen from this point?? I read that -3.0 is the limit for pilots. Thanks in advance.

Hi! My name is Bonne, I am a 16 year old dutch highschool student that dreams about being an air force pilot (F16) since i can walk, because i live close to an airbase. Since i am 12 I dream about becoming a F35 pilot on the other hand. Though after doing some research, things can get crazy along the way... But in order to get there i first need to apply and be accepted. Physically i am great, just a small thing with my eyes, I wear glasses, my left eye needs +3.25 and my right needs +0.5. Can i still get accepted? And if not, can I after i get a lazertreatment? I'm worried about my chance to get my absolute dreamjob, so if you can, please help me out!…

Hello all, I have looked through some threads and have not seen anything pop up in regards to approved contact lenses. The eye doc at WPAFB said I would need to wear either the issued glasses or the air force approved contacts for flight status. He said I would be able to google search it and a list would pop up. However, I have done that and have had no such luck. Does anyone have any info on the list or a contact brand/type they recommend? Thank you in advance for the info.

How long can one expect to wait for a medical waiver to be reviewed/approved once the good folks at WrightPatt send it off to AETC? Forgive me if this has been asked many times. Thank you for your help.

I am in the process of applying for an Air Guard UPT slot and although I haven’t officially run into this problem yet, I wanted to get ahead of it. Six years ago, when I was 19, I went into the doctor after feeling a lump in my testicals. I was a cyclist and had always felt a little discomfort while riding. They put me in for an ultrasound and found some cysts and hydroceles. Ultimately, the doctor didn’t recommend any action and said it was definitely due to the cycling. He even cleared me to get back on the bike. Below is the report from the ultrasound. I have found that this issue, despite living comfortably with it, could be a disqualifier and I would like to know wha…

I don't want to get DQ'd for bad hearing, but with little ones running around the house screaming in my ears I'm getting a little worried. I'm starting to wear earplugs more around the house and especially during diaper changes when they start screaming like banshees. Has anyone had any significant hearing loss from kids screaming?