Prevalence of Selected Pathology Among Currently Certified Active Airmen,
Abstract
It has been the policy of the Federal Aviation Administration to medically certify individuals, for a variety of flying privileges, who also have medical deficiency or disease, provided it can be determined that such action does not comprise air safety. During recent years, for example, standards have been relaxed with respect to contact lens use and medication allowed for control of hypertension. This descriptive epidemiologic study presents the point prevalence of pathology among active airmen as of January 1, 1980, by major body system and for other selected pathologies of interest within the major body systems. Data were obtained from active computer files maintained by the Aeromedical Certification Branch of the Civil Aeromedical Institute in connection with the certification program. Some 350,701 (42%) active airmen require correction for some visual deficiency. Of this total, 20,058 are contact lens wearers. After eye pathology, cardiovascular and abdominal pathology represent the most prevalent medical conditions among active airmen (3.7% and 2.6% respectively). Overall, disease prevalence is greater among currently certified airmen than among previous groups studied. This increase in prevalence is probably a reflection of more liberal standards more than any other single factor. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 1981
- Accession Number
- ADA103397
Entities
People
- Charles F. Booze Jr.
Organizations
- Federal Aviation Administration