Air Force Flying Physical
Medical Examination Standards
Psychiatric Disorders (Reference Diagnostic and Statistical
Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-TV) Fourth Edition, Arerican Psychiatric Association).
Flying Classes II and III.
Eating Disorders.
Gender Identity Disorders.
Mental Disorders due to a General Medical Condition.
Delirium, Dementia, and Amnestic Disorders, and Other Cognitive Disorders.
Alcohol Dependence or Abuse (DSM IV) or any disease the proximate cause of which is alcoholism. These conditions may be waived by MAJCOMISG if the following conditions have been met:
The MTF Alcohol & Drug Abuse Prevention & Treatment (ADAPT) Program treatment team determines that the individual has made satisfactory progress and has main tained abstinence without the aid of medications for a period of 6 months from the date of entertng treatment.
NOTE:Any relapse (as determined by the treatment team) or use of medication to deter alcohol use resets the 6-month observation period for waiver consideration.
In the opinion of the flight surgeon, privileged mental health provider, and flying unit commander, and based on the ADAPT program assessment, the individual has a low potential for recidivism and can be expected to remain stable under stress.
The individual has no medical complications or sequelae due to past alcohol abuse or dependence.
The individual states in writing that he or she understands the waiver is valid only if total abstinence from alcohol is maintained and that a verifiable break in abstinence once the waiver period has begun is considered medically disqualifying and not waiverable. This written statement by the individual must be accomplished at the initial waiver request and reaccomplished each time a request is submitted for renewal of the waiver, and is included with the waiver request. To ensure flying unit commanders are aware of the need to observe individuals with past alcohol problems, new conimanders are briefed on those in their units with waivers for this condition when the individual changes assignment or there has been a change in command.
All other drug abuse or use. These conditions are not waiverable.
Schizophrenia and other Psychotic Disorders.
Mood Disorders.
Depressive disorders including major depression, dysthymia, cyclothymia, and depression not otherwise specified.
Bipolar disorder.
Anxiety Disorders. Non-phobic fear of flying is considered an administrative not medical problem.
Somatoform Disorders.
Dissociative Disorders.
Sexual paraphilias are not medically disqualifying; however, individuals meeting diagnostic criteria are dealt with administratively.
Sexual dysfunctions and sexual disorders not otherwise specified are not medically disqualifying unless in association with another Axis I disorder.
Sleep disorders if of such magnitude to warrant somatic treatment greater than
30 days duration, or if associated with an Axis I disorder other than
an adjustment disorder.
Factitious Disorders.
Impulse Control Disorders Not Elsewhere Classified.
Adjustment Disorders of more than 60 days duration.
Unsatisfactory adaptability rating for military aviation (ARMA) if maladaptive
per sonality traits (not meeting diagnostic criteria for a personality disorder)
or a pattern of maladap tive behavior is present that significantly interferes
with safety of flight, crew coordination, or mission completion. Motivational
issues are referred to administrative channels.
Psychological Factors Affecting Medical Condition.
Personality disorders are not medically disqualif~iing; however, if social and
occupa tional, administrative or legal ramifications are operant, a psychiatric
evaluation may be warranted to clarify suitability for future flying or other
duty.
History of attempted suicide or suicidal behavior.
Flying Classes I and IA. In addition to the above:
History of any of the above diagnoses excluding verifiable simple adjustment
disorders not requiring hospitalization.
History of schizophrenia or bipolar disorder in both parents.
Unsatisfactory adaptability rating for military aviation.
History of persistent learning disorder.
Evidence of any condition causing serious chronic impairment of educational
goals or chronic behavioral difficulties requiring hospitalization or prolonged
treatment.
Information derived from Air Force Instruction 48-23, Current as of Dec 2000.
