More of this Feature • Aviation Medical Standards

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The below disqualifying conditions are in addition to the disqualifying conditions listed in the Military Medical Accessions Medical Guide. Unlike medical waivers to join the military, medical waivers for aviation duty are much harder to come by.

The causes for medical unfitness for flying duty Classes 1/1A/2/2F/2S/3 are:

a. Abdominal fistula or sinus.

b. Small and large intestine.

(1) History of bowel resection for any cause, with the exception of appendectomy.

(2) History of any procedures for the relief of intestinal obstruction, adhesions, or intussusception, with the exception of uncomplicated pylorotomy or intussusception in childhood.

(3) History of functional bowel syndrome (irritable colon), megacolon, diverticulitis, diverticulosis with complications,
regional enteritis (Crohn’s disease), ulcerative colitis, or proctitis.

c. Hepato-pancreato-biliary tract.

(1) Enlargement of the liver, except when the liver function tests are normal and the condition does not appear to be
caused by active disease.

(2) Cholelithiasis.

(3) Cholecystectomy until recovery is complete or history of sequelae to cholecystectomy.

d. History of gastrointestinal bleeding. This excludes minor bleeding from hemorrhoids or acute rectal fissure.

Flight Classes

Specific Flight Class Medical Examinations are:

Class 1 - Warrant Officer Aviation Duty Applicants
Class 1A - Commissioned Officer Aviation Duty Applicants
Class 2 - Current Aviators, Current Student Aviators, and Previous Aviators Returning to Aviation Service
Class 2F - Flight Surgeons, Including Those in Flight Surgeon Training
Class 2S - MOS 13F, Assigned to Aerial Fire Support Observer Duty
Class 3 - Non Rated Soldiers who Participate in Regular Flights (Crew Chiefs, Gunners, UAV Operators, etc.)
Class 4 - Air Traffic Control

Derived from Army Regulation 40-501, Standards of Medical Fitness