Medical waivers: an extension of the pilot's career

The medical examination has been conducted periodically to determine medical qualifications for the continued performance of military service and as a preventive medicine measure to reveal latent and undiagnosed disease. When an individual fails to meet the medical standards for flying duties, he may be granted a waiver. A waiver means that the individual is considered by the reviewing authority to be capable of effective performance of duty world-wide without compromising health or safety. In 1973, a total of 1218 waivers were granted to 741 rated officers in Headquarters Command. This command is responsible for medical administration of 4057 rated officers. The ages of the officers granted waivers ranged from 27 to 58 years, with a mean age of 46 years. Over 80% of the waivers granted were to pilots. The value of the medical examination schedule followed in the United States Air Force today is often debated. Those who oppose the annual physical examination because of its questionable value speak in an even louder voice because the medical crunch has reduced the availbale grass roots flight surgeons to a bare minimum. These studies, however, point up the need for a continuous, strong, preventive medicine program in Headquarters Command.