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Military Aviation

Why do Flight Surgeons Fly?

There are a variety of reasons why the Department of Defense requires their flight surgeons to fly a minimum of hours monthly in their assigned primary aircraft. Some of these reasons are historic or circumstantial, while others are more strategic.

By Rocky Jedick MD, MBA · · 6 min read

Jay Flottmann, USAF Flight Surgeon & F-22 Pilot

Flight Surgeon is the title used by the military (and NASA) to designate a medical doctor who has completed specialized training in aerospace medicine and has been awarded an aeronautical rating.

A BRIEF HISTORY OF FLIGHT DOCS IN FLIGHT

WWII Flight Surgeon Wings USAF Flight Surgeon Wings US Navy Flight Surgeon Wings

WHY ARE FLIGHT SURGEONS REQUIRED TO FLY?

Top Knife Patch
  1. Aerospace Physiology & Pathology - Experience the environment first hand
  2. Unique Demands of the Aircraft & Mission - Intimate knowledge of the physical and cognitive demands
  3. Trust - Gain trust of flyers by participating in flying duties
"In order to know and understand the flying personnel, the flight surgeon must cultivate the social contacts open to him. The most valuable information about the pilot is gathered by seeing him in his element, the air." - Dr Isaac Jones, 1930s

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