MEDICAL EXAMINATIONS FOR PILOTS

High altitude is an environment that is alien to man. Stressors associ ated with the mechanics of flight include motion and acceleration forc es applied in three vectors and in degrees that are foreign to the hum an vestibular apparatus. Furthermore, the work patterns of a pilot can interfere with lifestyle and circadian rhythms. Therefore medical fit ness is an important consideration in determining an individual's suit ability to exercise a pilot's Licence. The medical standards applied d epend on the type of aircraft flown and the duties expected of a pilot . There are three broad categories of pilot. In ascending order of str ingency of medical standards these are the private pilot, the professi onal pilot and the military pilot.