Boards of Flight Surgeons

Boards of Flight Surgeons

 

Local Boards of Flight Surgeons (LBFS)

Aviation Commander, or higher authority.

 

Membership:

The Local Board of Flight Surgeons will consist of at least three medical officers, one of whom must be a flight surgeon. Other medical officers may be Board members as required or appropriate, particularly in cases where an individual is being followed by a specialist. The senior Flight Surgeon is the senior member of the Board.

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  The use of medical specialists for consultation or appointment to the Board is encouraged.
  

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  Are made to the Aviation Commander for his consideration. He is not bound to heed any recommendation.
  
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  If the aircrewman is found medically unfit for flight, the reasons are to be clearly defined.
  

 

Reporting (LBFS):

LBFS reports are to be typed, explaining the decision of the board and discussion of the problems along with:

• 
  SF88
  
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  SF93
  
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  all relevant consultations
  

Remember that the LBFS is charged with the responsibility of determining the medical fitness of aircrew to continue to fly. You are not granting a waiver, you are merely determining fitness to continue flying. If a waiver is recommended, the Board may recommend that the aircrew continue to fly during the review process and issue an up chit, but it is a very good idea to discuss this with NOMI Code 42 beforehand.

 

Special Boards of Flight Surgeons (SBFS)

Convening Authority:

Commanding Officer NOMI

 

Membership:

All active duty Naval Flight Surgeons on flight orders in the Pensacola area, as approved by the Commanding Officer, NOMI.

 

Referral to a SBFS:

Requests for a SBFS may be made by the aviation Commanding Officer to the Commanding Officer NOMI, preferably upon the recommendation of a LBFS. If approved by the Commanding Officer NOMI, a recommendation will be made to BUPERS/CMC to order the member to NOMI for evaluation. The request is sent via Immediate Superior in Command (ISIC) to NOMI Code 42 with:

• 
  SF88
  
• 
  SF93
  
• 
  all appropriate consults and narrative summary.
  

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  The original package (reason for referral)
  
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  Health record
  
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  Natops Flight Training Jacket
  
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  Aviation Qualification Jacket
  

 

Reports of SBFS

Reports are made to BUPERS/CMC (through BUMED) by same day message.

 

Senior Board of Flight Surgeons

A Senior Board of Flight Surgeons at BUMED in Washington, D.C. is the final reviewing authority for all aeromedical dispositions. This standing board consists of five members; the Assistant Chief for Fleet Readiness and Support (Med-02), three senior flight surgeons and a senior line officer assigned by the CNO. The board functions not only as the final authority for aeromedical disposition of cases, but also as aeromedical policy advisor to the CNO and CMC. Final determinations of the board are submitted to CNO or CMC within 5 working days after completion of the meeting.

The Waiver Process

 

Point of Contact:

NOMI - Code 42
DSN: 922-4501 / 4502
Com: (850) 452-4501 / 4502

The waiver process is one which provides a mechanism for deviation from established standards as published in the manual of the Medical Department when:

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  The needs of the Navy require its consideration, and
  
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  performance is not degraded due to the defect.
  

 

Physical defect - any condition, disorder or defect which may be of significance in determining a person's ability to perform his or her duties. This includes all variations from "Normal", as described in Chapter 15 of the Manual of the Medical Department. Each defect must be commented upon on the SF88, physical exam form.

 

Disposition of Defects - The possible determinations to be listed in Block #74, Summary of Defects and Diagnoses, are:

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  Not considered disqualifying (NCD) - The defect will not affect performance and is within listed standards. A waiver is not required.
  
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  Considered disqualifying (CD) - Waiver recommended. - The defect is disqualifying by the published standards, but is deemed not to interfere with the individual's performance.
  
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  Considered disqualifying (CD) - Waiver not recommended. - The defect is disqualifying by the published standards and is likely to adversely affect the safe performance of the individual's duties.
  

    1. NCD

Skin tags, Nevi etc.

Minimal scoliosis

    2. CD, Waiver recommended

Defective visual acuity

Select maintenance medication

    3. CD, Waiver not recommended

Diabetes Mellitus

Uncontrolled hypertension

Missing limbs or other important parts

 

Possible notations for block 77, SF88 include:

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  PQ and AA.
  
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  NPQ but AA.
  
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  NPQ and NAA.
  
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  PQ but NAA.
  

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  Waiver may be recommended based on the needs of the Navy.
  
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  Waiver not recommended.
  

    -NPQ but AA, Waiver not recommended.

The flight surgeon should make his recommendation for waiver on the SF-88 ONLY, not by separate letter. You may, however, submit an aeromedical summary or use a Local Board of Flight Surgeons to support your recommendations.