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Incentive & Familiarization Flights in Military Fighter Jets

Incentive and familiarization flights are often offered to military personnel as a means of rewarding the troops and introducing them to air operations.

By Rocky Jedick MD, MBA · · 7 min read

Miss Massachusetts Incentive Flight

Many times incentive and familiarization flights are offered to maintenance and operational support personnel during temporary duty (TDY) deployments. Flight surgeons play a crucial role in this process educating and medically clearing potential candidates.

ORIENTATION FLIGHT RATIONALE

All three branches of the US Armed Forces conduct orientation flights to reward and motivate individuals (incentive flights), ensure better understanding of weapon systems, or when determined to be in the best interest of the military.

Types of orientation flights:

  • Distinguished Visitor (DV) Flights: Display weapons systems for better understanding
  • Familiarization Flights: Familiarize individuals with aircraft and missions
  • Incentive Flights: Reward for outstanding service
  • Spouse Orientation Flights: Familiarize military spouses with unit aircraft

THE ORIENTATION FLIGHT HISTORY & PHYSICAL EXAM

The Otoscopic Exam Anthropometric Measurements for USAF Aircraft

AEROMEDICAL TOPICS FOR FLYERS

Physiology of Hypoxia

Key topics include: Helmet & Mask Fit, Cockpit Pressurization, Hypoxia & Hyperventilation, Trapped Gas & Valsalva Maneuver, and Motion Sickness.

Time of Useful Consciousness
Inner Ear Anatomy

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