Flight surgeon

The flight surgeon is a specialised medical officer in the military, typically the air force. Flight surgeons are usually M.D.s (medical doctors). The Flight Surgeon is responsible for the treatment and certification of aviation personnel e.g. pilots, crew members and air traffic controllers.

Related Topics:
Military - Air force - Medical doctor - Aviation - Pilots - Air traffic controller

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This position requires additional specialised training. It was created as a distinction from standard medical professionals in the armed forces because of the special, and often higher, minimum standards of fitness and physical requirements required by the extremely high responsibility positions of aviators and ancillary personnel. For example, some routine treatments, such as certain antihistamines, when administered to aviation personnel, are cause for temporary grounding (loss of flying privileges) until the therapy and its effects are completed.

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Due to the advanced training and education required to serve as a flight surgeon, many military services award a Flight Surgeon Badge to those so qualified.

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