NUMBER OF CHRONIC CONDITIONS AND PROFESSIONAL LONGEVITY OF AVIATORS

Methods: The number of chronic medical conditions (NCMC) experienced b y an individual may be a measure of health and predictor of the disqua lification of aviators. Subjects were 727 medically disqualified and 8 07 current pilots and navigators in the Russian Air Forces. All chroni c conditions reported in medical files were extracted. Results: Disqua lification was earlier for subjects who had diagnoses of chronic condi tions at age 29 (chi(2) = 82.24, p < 0.0001). Disqualification was pro portionate to the NCMC at age 32 (chi(2) = 98.32, P < 0.0001) and at 3 7 (chi(2) = 105.41,P < 0.0001). For 37 yr-old aviators age at disquali fication was influenced more by the NCMC than by military rank. Discus sion: The NCMC influenced subsequent disqualification for many years a fter health assessment. This influence was significant and independent from the aviator's speciality, final military rank, position, age at entering flying school, or town or country of origin. Conclusion: NCMC is a good measure of health and predictor of disqualification of avia tors.