U.S. Army Aviation Epidemiology Data Register: Rates of Exceptions to Policy Granted to Medically Disqualified U.S. Army Aviator Students from FY 1986 to FY 1990

Abstract : The U.S. Army Aviation Epidemiology Data Register and U.S. Army Aviation Center flight training school records were queried to determine the medical diagnosis, rank, and service component of those who entered aviator training with an exception to policy. The study period was fiscal years 1986 to 1990, five years. The exception to policy rates granted to medically disqualified U.S. Army aviator students before or upon entry into flight training is unknown. Sample case histories were discussed. The overall exception to policy rate was 1.45 exceptions to policy per 100 aviator student starts per fiscal year. Commissioned officer students had a significantly better chance of being granted an exception to policy (relative risk (Katz) =2.24, CI0.95=1%54,3.26). No component of service had an advantage over the others for being granted an exception to policy. Exceptions to policy most often were granted for refractive error, hearing loss, anthropometry, and orthopedic conditions of the extremities.