stuckindayton
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Posts posted by stuckindayton
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IFC IA (CSO) do not come to Wright-Patt for MFS. It is only require for pilot and RPA pilot applicants.
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On 7/20/2019 at 2:03 PM, ctf151 said:
What if you were a dependent on Tricare at the time of a concussion/treatment? I didn't lose consciousness, so it was relatively minor. I was under the impression that they can get anything if you were on Tricare at the time.
Being on Tricare, but seeing a civilian provider will probably not show up in any records. Seen on base, then it's in AHLTA and will be readily available. I wouldn't sweat it. A lot of people come through with history of concussions. If it happened a year ago, then it might be a problem since I believe there is a mandatory wait time after concussion. But eleven years ago, not so much to worry about. You may get a MRI to make sure there was no permanent damage, but if that's normal I wouldn't expect any issue.
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To add to what AFSock said,
Electronics- We were provided a transformer for US electronics, e.g. kitchen appliances, TV. Found it to be more of a pain than it's worth. Laptops are generally 240 V compatible, but for those items that aren't we found it easier to just buy stuff when that could be plugged directly into the socket. The transformers are bulky, heavy and hum pretty loud. They are not just something you plug into the socket between your item and the electrical grid. They are a small electric sub-station on their own- probably ended up costing us a bit of money to use them as well.
Car- Left hand drive is a pain. Harder to navigate roundabouts since you yield to the right you're always looking across the windshield and the front passenger side barrier gets in the way. Plus, the British are anal about auto regulations. There's a good chance you'll have to have exterior lights moved around to meet their specs. Not expensive, but as AFSock said, there are plenty of used cars available from people PCSing out. We paid around 3000 pounds for a used car and pretty much sold it for the same when we left. Also, as mentioned, roads and parking lots are small. And it's fun (for the first few months) to go and open the left hand door only to realize that you are on the wrong side of the car.
One other word of advice based on personal experience. Keep a careful on when they are unpacking your items. We had a couple of things go missing even though we saw them get unpacked.
The UK was frustrating in many ways, but overall it was a good experience. It's like learning to live all over again since everything seems to be backwards.
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Astro,
Guard and Reserve have to meet the same medical standards and process through the exact certification folks when applying since they are trained at active duty bases. Once you complete training, then you are owned by ANG/AFRC, but until then you are treated the same as active duty.
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With -4.00 sphere and -0.75 cylinder, your total myopia is -4.75. It sucks to be over the limit by 0.25, but that's why you were DQ'd. Threeholer was correct, if you want to fly PRK or LASIK is your friend.
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12 hours ago, Molecular medic said:
I recently did my initial flight physical. I was initially told my vision would disqualify my from pilot, which I knew, but I would be good for CSO. My recruiter call me back yesterday and said I had been disqualified from both due to vision. When I was at the clinic that day, the med tech and I checked a vision standards chart and my refractive error fell into the CSO acceptable category, my refractive error is -4.00 in both eyes. I'm corrected to 20/15 in both eyes. Does anyone know if the standards have been changed recently, or if there is some other mix up that could have caused this? Thanks
At -4.00 you meet the CSO standard based on current policy. Are there numbers after the -4.00 in your refraction? If so those are added to the -4.00 and might be putting you over the limit. See page 725 of the waiver guide link posted previously.
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1 hour ago, Donnyteflon said:
I do. I just don’t have the “D” variant of the disorder. I have the other one (IBS-C). The one where I can’t shit. But I actually can if I just control it through diet which is what I was trying to articulate in my initial post. Sorry for the confusion.
OK, then maybe my response was premature. I'm not sure I can give you a good answer. I haven't seen waivers or disqualifications for IBS-C. All of the IBS cases I've seen are for the "D" variant which don't get approved.
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9 hours ago, Donnyteflon said:
I don’t have IBS-D so the chance of me shitting in the cockpit is zero lmao. Quite the opposite.
Respectfully Sir,
Where do you think I pulled the criteria from in my OP? I read the waiver guide and did use google. I’m not asking if the condition is DQ or not. I’m asking if anyone has it, and the likelihood of a waiver.
Neither the commisioning guide/aircrew waiver guide disclose this. Thank you for your responses!
I'm confused. You're asking about the waiverability of a medical condition you don't have?
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10 hours ago, Donnyteflon said:
Any current aviators that are in with active, but controlled IBS-C/D?
I know the waiver guide considers the condition non-DQ if asymptomatic and controlled by diet, but requiring meds or symptomatic requires review and waiver. What is the likelihood of receiving this waiver based on experience?
Any input is greatly appreciated!
For someone applying to a flying position, I'd think the odds of a waiver are not good. IBS and flying are just not compatible.
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I hope not. The Konan CCT takes longer to run and it occasionally fails people who have normal color vision because it penalizes a person so severely when they miss a stimulus they should have seen (i.e. finger error, brain fart- you press left when you meant to press right).
The Rabin CCT is calibrated every week to ensure the monitors are producing the correct colors. So, if the monitor drifts slightly over time, the software adjusts the color to get the desired output.
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For IFC I, no I would not expect a waiver.
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7 hours ago, jonlbs said:
Just heard back from USAFSAM that they would not recommend the waiver since its out of limits still (even if its way less).
Knew this was coming, but if I’m outside of waiverable limits will AFMSA even bother looking at it or is there a chance they take a look at the whole picture and maybe say ya hes outside the numbers but his actual functionality is pretty good and sign it?
My medical personnel believe the ETP is the best chance now but I’m curious if I should push them anymore on the medical cause I know AFSMA is an authority still.
Jon,
USAFSAM has no authority to offer a positive recommendation for anyone who exceeds waiver limits. They essentially interpret the policy for the waiver authority. AFMSA (and AETC) have the authority to waive anything they want. They usually follow the written policy, but not in every case. I don't know what they will do in this case as there are very few people who have refractive surgery with refractive errors above +5.00. At this point, there seems little harm in starting an ETP. I don't see it having any impact on your medical disposition. You are technically still DQ'd so an ETP can be initiated (it can't be if your disposition is still in limbo). If AFMSA comes around and offers a waiver then you d/c the ETP process.
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On 3/22/2019 at 3:29 PM, oka nieba said:
Has their been an update since 2019 ?
No, standard is still 55 or better for each eye / all colors with the exception of MOD which can go down to 35.
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On 2/25/2019 at 8:07 PM, badger99 said:
I currently have 20/80 but can be corrected to 20/20. Is it possible to get a waiver on this or should I get PRK/Lasik before even applying? I want to be a fighter pilot
The AF does not use uncorrected vision. It's all based on your prescription. So, it's impossible to say for sure, but if you are 20/80, it's unlikely your prescription would break the limit. The rules are the same for all airframes.
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1 hour ago, QMar92 said:
I was just disqualified at Wright Patt for my FC1 for having keratoconus. I understand this is a hard "no" presently at this time, but so was Lasik a few years ago. On the outside I am a commercial pilot with a Class 2 physical and I know there are captains for major airlines with this condition who have either had a corrective surgery or continued without it. My vision is well within standards.
My question is this...is there research or a case study being conducted on corrective procedures for waiver approval for this condition? Is there anything I can do from my end to contribute in convincing doctors this is a waiverable condition when you have had a corrective procedure? I am looking into a cross-link surgery that is known as Holcomb C3-R by the man that invented it himself Dr. Bran Boxer Wachler.
QMar,
First off, I'm sorry to hear of your misfortune.
The problem with keratoconus (KCN) and flying for the Air Force is that the AF invests a lot of money to train pilots and anyone with a progressive eye condition runs the risk of not being able to maintain vision within standards for the expected flying career (10 years after UPT). As you accurately stated, policies change with time and as collagen crosslinking becomes more common in the US (it's only been FDA approved for a couple of years) there is a possibility that policy regarding crosslinking will change. However, the AF still doesn't even commission people with KCN much less put them into UPT. They are looking at a policy to allow commissioning with KCN if treated with crosslinking and with a period (maybe a year) of demonstrated stability. So, if it ever gets to a point of allowing entry into UPT with KCN and crosslinking it's probably going to be quite a ways down the road. PM me if you want more specific information on your case.
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You'll get the same eye exam as everyone else. The only additional test is one of these:
https://www.precision-vision.com/product-category/contrast-eye-charts/
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I've seen numerous people in their mid 30's getting pilot slots. The max I've seen is 44 (if memory serves correctly). However, that was a little bit of a unique situation. She was a Nav in a Guard unit switching from 130's to C-17's so it was either retrain her or lose her altogether.
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17 hours ago, AlexLM12 said:
Hello,
I was disqualified during my Class I Flight Screening after selection, and I'm currently applying for a Class III now to try and be an ABM. I understand that some conditions are permanently disqualifying from rated positions, but I have no idea if mine is (esophoria). Any idea where I can find out if I can even apply again? I've tried calling AFPC/AETC, and the base that performed the physical, but I haven't gotten much apart from the issue that DQ'd me the first time. If anyone has any info, thank you!
Phoria standards are different for IFC I than for ABM applicants because ABM's do not have scanning duties. That refers to clearing the aircraft of other aircraft or objects whether in the air or ground. There is a phoria standard for ABM applicants, but it is more lenient than IFC I. PM me if you want more specific information. I'm assuming your IFC I was not done at Wright-Patt.
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On 1/28/2019 at 1:06 PM, Insert name said:
Has anyone had an FC1 scheduled recently? It's been 3 weeks since I emailed the coordinator, I gave a follow up call last week, but haven't heard anything about scheduling a date yet. Did the shut down affect their operations?
FWIW I did not include my social on anything I emailed for obvious reasons - I said to call me and provided my number. But again, have not had contact.
Who is the "coordinator" you've been in contact with?
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10 hours ago, gatsby said:
I don't know how accurate this video is, but I found it online and wanted to share it on the forum for anyone who may be worried about passing the color portion of the flight physical (CCT) test. (I haven't taken the CCT, therefore, I cannot vouch for the accuracy of this video, I stumbled on it via the "Konan Medical" website which seems to be the company that developed the CCT along with the Air Force:
https://konanmedical.com/colordx-features-benefits/
I might be completely wrong about this, so if I am, I'll delete this post. I just figured it could help someone like myself, who struggles with color vision tests, get a sense of what the test looks like as I'm sure none of us have the correct monitors to accurately access our likelihood of passing.
Also, there's a "C", which changes directions in this video, which differs from the letters as in the image above. I don't know what's up with that. You basically click on the region where the opening of the C points to, on a little 4 directional pad, and wallah it lets them know you can see that shade. Probably different from what the Air Force does, but it gives another perspective to the image above.
Anyways, hope this helps someone.
This video is accurate. The AF is not using the Konan device, however, the device being used is similar. It uses a rotating Landolt C like you see in the video rather than letters as it makes the test more efficient. You have ample opportunity to practice to ensure you understand the test before actually starting.
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6 hours ago, Kilabe26 said:
Did they put you into the REACT study for abnormal corneal topography?
Unlikely. The REACT study is only for IFC I (pilot applicants). Given that the waiver was indefinite it sounds like the folks at the Aeromedical Consultation Service didn't feel the topography was abnormal enough to monitor.
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On 12/9/2018 at 9:26 PM, HarlsBarkley said:
Is there another physical similar to FC1 between OTS and UPT? If so, is it as intensive as FC1, or is it more of a "once-over" to make sure nothing major has changed? I can't imagine it would be another 5-day event like FC1 was.
To the best of my knowledge, you'll just get a standard PHA that all flyers get annually.
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If your vision is still 20/20 or better and you can pass the depth perception test, the waiver is pretty much a formality. Depending on the level of corneal abnormality, you might be sent to Wright-Patt for evaluation. It's also possible the folks at Wright-Patt could review the topography and decide a waiver isn't even necessary. Regardless, do NOT fret. You may be DNiF for some period of time, but you will almost certainly fly again.
"do NOT fret"
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On 11/30/2018 at 3:14 PM, bluebaru said:
Hello @stuckindayton, question for you about an issue in my left eye. I am currently -1.75 in both eyes corrected to 20/10, but my ophthalmologist diagnosed me with a small macular scar in my left eye. He hasn't made a big deal about it since they found and performed some cautionary tests (all came back nominal). The scar hasn't grown or changed in the 4 years I've had it, and I'm otherwise physically fit and would pass any other portion of a flight physical. I'm worried this might disqualify me. Is there a waiver for this kind of condition? Or will it even show up during MEPS or an FC1? My recruiter advised me not to mention it or list it during MEPS because it genuinely has no effect on my vision currently. I hardly notice anything outside the ordinary during an Amsler chart test.
Any feedback is appreciated, thanks!
It will not be missed on an IFC I. Can't speak for MEPS. It's your call on whether to report it unless there are any medical history questions that pertain to it. Then I would be honest. I can't say for sure whether it would be disqualifying or even require a waiver. It just depends on the specifics of the case. Certainly having documentation showing that it's been present for a while without changes can't hurt. I would be cautiously optimistic.
Change to Air Force Color Vision Policy
in Aviation Medicine
Posted
The CCT is the only test that will determine your status. The other tests are only done for comparison/correlation purposes. If you pass the CCT and bomb the others it is not held against you, you still pass.