Organization and operation of civil aviation medicine in the Soviet Union

The United States of America and the Soviet Union formalized an agreement in 1973 wherein periodic exchanges of information in civil aviation take place. During the period Aug. 21-Sept. 9, 1976, the author and an associate visited the Soviet Union as part of the exchange agreement. During the visit, the following information was covered. The civil ceviation medicine program in the Soviet Union involves preflight physical examinations for aircrew members, including flight attendants, quarterly physical examinations on pilots and flight engineers, and a special central hospital for diagnosis and treatment of problem medical cases occurring in aviation personnel. In addition, prophylactoria (special rest facilities) for flight crew are maintained at major airports. Certain other aspects of Soviet civil aviation medicine include preflight examinations on all children, and the provision at each airport of a designated medical emergency facility.