Analysis of the U.S. Air Force Flying Class Waiver Outcomes of the Aeromedical Consultation Service and Major Command Units in Neuropsychiatry
Abstract
Flight surgeons often refer disqualified aircrew and special duty personnel to the Aeromedical Consultation Service (ACS) at the U.S. Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine for an in-depth specialty evaluation and recommendation regarding an aviator's readiness to return to fly. Airmen (officer and enlisted) disqualified from flying due to a neurological or psychiatric condition are assessed at the Neuropsychiatry Branch of the ACS with aeromedical experts in the fields of psychology, neuropsychology, neurology, and psychiatry. Anecdotal evidence suggests there is a great deal of speculation regarding the low likelihood an airman will receive an aeromedical waiver to return to his or her aircrew or special duty position if referred to the ACS. This may cause flight surgeons and airmen to be unnecessarily apprehensive in requesting support for an ACS consultation. The purpose of this study is to assess the likelihood an airman will return to flying when flight surgeons consult with ACS specialists in the Department of Neuropsychiatry. The Aeromedical Information Management Waiver Tracking System and Patient Status Worksheet were used to analyze records of 390 aircrew and special duty personnel referred for an evaluation at the ACS (2005-2010) due to a disqualifying neurological or psychiatric condition. Overall, 73% of evaluated aviators/aircrew were recommended to return to their aviation- related duties, and only 27% were recommended not to return to their duties. Major command authorities concurred with 98% of ACS staff recommendations. The results indicate that three out of every four aircrew or special duty personnel referred to the ACS due to a history of a psychiatric illness/injury receive a recommendation to return to their duties. Such information removes ambiguity regarding the likelihood of obtaining a waiver and helps reduce the level of apprehension for flight surgeons and aviators who are being referred to the ACS.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 01, 2011
- Accession Number
- ADA553705
Entities
People
- Jennifer N. Heaton
- John E. Heaton
- Kent D. Mcdonald
- Tonya V. Merriweather
Organizations
- United States Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine