Analysis of disqualifing medical conditions found in physical examination for pilots transitioning to high performance gunship

  Objective  To analyze the causes of disqualified medical conditions found in physical examination for pilots transitioning to high performance gunship, and provide evidences for aviation health support.

  Methods   The medical data of helicopter pilots who participated in the physical examination for transitioning to high performance gunship in our hospital from 2011 to 2017 were collected, and the disease spectrum of unqualified pilots was analyzed.

  Results   In 2016 and 2017, the unqualified rate of pilots transitioning to high performance gunship was 25% and 20%, respectively. Low body weight ranked as the top unqualified factor (16.22%), followed by thalassemia (13.51%), short stature or legs (10.81%), overweight (8.11%), atrioventricular block (8.11%) and thyroid dysfunction (8.11%). Physical condition was the main facter influenced medical qualification (35.90%), followed by hematological diseases (12.82%), bone and joint diseases (12.82%), cardiovascular diseases (10.26%), digestive disease (10.26%) and endocrine (10.26%) system diseases. The unqualified rate of helicopter pilots in 25-30 year-old group was the lowest (P < 0.05).

  Conclusion   The main reasons for unqualification to pilots transitioning to high performance helicopter are low body weight and diseases such as thalassemia. The qualification may be higher among helicopter pilots at prime age and with flying experience.