Preliminary Study of U.S. Air Force Pilot Perceptions

A Preliminary Study of U.S. Air Force Pilot Perceptions of the Pilot–Flight Surgeon Relationship

Citation: Nowadly, C. D., Blue, R. S., Albaugh, H. M., Mayes, R. S., & Robb, D. J. (2019). A preliminary study of U.S. Air Force pilot perceptions of the pilot–flight surgeon relationship. Military Medicine, 184(11–12), 765–772.

This study surveyed Air Force aviators to explore their comfort in discussing medical issues with flight surgeons. Results showed that while most pilots valued their relationship with flight surgeons, many expressed hesitation in reporting health concerns, especially those that could affect flight status. Only about half felt comfortable disclosing minor issues, and fewer were comfortable discussing potentially grounding conditions. A large majority believed that other pilots sometimes withheld medical information to protect their flying careers. The authors concluded that fear of career repercussions and limited trust may lead to underreporting of health problems, highlighting the need for improved communication and trust-building between pilots and flight surgeons to promote safer, more transparent medical care within aviation medicine.