Aircrew medical standards and their application in the Royal Australian Air Force

Aircrew selection and health maintenance are key factors in the Aviation Medicine Program of the Royal Australian Air Force. The physical standards employed by the RAAF in selecting aircrew are reviewed. The aircrew selection process for the 5 years 1969 to 1973 are presented with emphasis given to medical causes for rejection. A careful analysis of reasons for failure to complete aircrew training was conducted. The results of this analysis are presented with special emphasis being given to medical wastage. The process of medical evaluation of trained aircrew is discussed along with the 1969-1973 experience with aircrew duty restrictions and waivers granted for medical conditions. The RAAF experience with medical wastage of trained aircrew is similar to the experience of other nations, both as to wastage rates and body systems involved.