U. S. Army Aviation Epidemiology Data Register: Gender-Specific Attrition Among the U. S. Army Student Aviator Class of 1987

Abstract : Graduated aviators from the U.S. Army student aviator cohort of the Class of 1987 were followed in the Aviation Epidemiology Data Register for 6 years to determine if there was a gender-specific difference in attrition from aviation service. Overall, 30 percent attrition was found in 6 years of observation following initial aviator training. There was no significant gender-specific difference in attrition (p>0.05, life table analysis). Pregnancy was the most common identified cause of female aviator attrition. However, there was no significant increase risk for attrition among all pregnant aviators after delivery (relative risk=0.545, CI0.95=0.144,2.06). Among male aviators, flying evaluation boards with nonmedical termination of aviation service, death due to aircraft mishaps, and alcohol abuse were common identified causes of attrition. These three conditions accounted for 47 percent of known causes for male aviator attrition.