How to Be Flight Physiologist - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Jan 24, 2021 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The human body is designed to withstand the stresses of flight, but a flight physiologist is necessary for long-distance pilots and passengers to maintain their health in such a high-pressure environment. Being exposed to extreme altitude, cabin pressure, and other elements of flight can cause fatigue, dehydration, low blood pressure, and even hypoxia. Flight physiologist work to assess the health of pilots by monitoring their vital signs and administering tests to detect any changes.

They also advise pilots on how to manage the physical and psychological stress of flying and provide recommendations on nutrition, hydration, and exercise protocols. they are responsible for educating passengers on the effects of flight on their health and helping them avoid any preventable issues. With the help of a flight physiologist, pilots and passengers can enjoy a safe and healthy flight experience.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a bachelor's degree. To become a Flight Physiologist, you must first earn a bachelor's degree in a field related to health sciences or medicine, such as physiology, biochemistry, or kinesiology.
Get certified in aviation medicine. You must then become certified in aviation medicine by taking a course offered by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Gain experience. It is also important to gain experience in the field by working with a qualified flight physician in order to gain a better understanding of the regulations and procedures associated with aviation medicine.
Obtain a medical license. After completing the necessary training, you will need to obtain a medical license in order to practice as a Flight Physiologist.
Get certified as a Flight Physiologist. After obtaining a medical license, you will need to become certified as a Flight Physiologist by taking an exam administered by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA).
Maintain certification. Flight Physiologists are required to maintain their certification by completing continuing education credits and passing periodic exams.

The role of a Flight Physiologist is to ensure the reliable and efficient operation of an aircraft by monitoring the health of its crew and passengers. This includes assessing the crew's physical and mental fitness prior to flight, ensuring that any medical issues are addressed, and monitoring in-flight conditions such as air pressure and oxygen levels. Flight Physiologists also monitor the environmental factors on board the aircraft, such as noise levels, temperature, and humidity, to ensure a comfortable and safe journey. By ensuring that all these factors are carefully considered, Flight Physiologists help to reduce the risk of fatigue, illness, or injury to the crew and passengers, providing a more reliable and efficient flight experience.

You may want to check Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operator (Drone Pilot), Aviation Safety Inspector (Flight Operations), and Flight Surgeon for alternative.

Job Description

Develop and implement flight physical protocols for aircrew
Perform physical exams and medical evaluations for aircrew
Monitor and assess the physiological responses of aircrew during flight
Analyze the impact of environmental factors (e. g. temperature, noise, vibration) on aircrew physiology
Provide advice and consultation to aircrew on physiological risks associated with flying
Monitor and evaluate the health of aircrews before, during, and after flights
Provide guidance and recommendations to aircrews on how to manage physiological stress during flight
Develop, implement, and evaluate training programs for aircrews to increase their physiological resilience
Develop, implement, and evaluate countermeasures to reduce the risk of physiological issues during flight
Research the latest developments in aerospace medicine, physiology, and operational medicine to improve aircrew performance and safety

Skills and Competencies to Have

Comprehensive knowledge of human physiology and anatomy
Knowledge of the effects of altitude, acceleration, spatial disorientation, and other environmental conditions on the human body
Ability to interpret medical data and diagnose physical conditions
Ability to assess and recommend preventive measures against health hazards
Knowledge of aviation safety regulations and standards
Knowledge of aircraft systems and operations
Ability to design and implement training programs for pilots and other personnel
Ability to monitor and evaluate pilot performance
Excellent communication skills for effectively interacting with medical staff, flight crews, and other personnel
Computer literacy for creating reports and data analysis

The ability to think critically is an essential skill for a Flight Physiologist, as they are responsible for ensuring the safety of passengers and crew members on board an aircraft. Critical thinking involves the ability to analyze, evaluate, and synthesize information in order to make an informed decision. This skill is especially important in the highly regulated aviation industry, as any mistakes or oversights can have serious consequences.

In addition, a Flight Physiologist must be able to work quickly and efficiently, as aircraft are often on tight schedules. They must also be knowledgeable about aviation physiology and medical emergencies, in order to respond appropriately to any situation that may arise. Lastly, strong communication skills are essential, as Flight Physiologists must be able to clearly explain their decisions to the pilots and other crew members on board the aircraft.

All of these skills are essential for a Flight Physiologist to successfully perform their duties and ensure the safety of everyone on board.

Commercial Airline Pilot, Flight Mechanic, and Flight Control Engineer are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in the field of Flight Physiology?
How have you handled emergency situations related to in-flight medical needs?
What steps have you taken to stay current with developments in the field of Flight Physiology?
Describe how you assess and manage the health and safety of passengers before, during and after a flight.
What techniques or processes do you use to monitor pilot performance and identify any potential health risks?
How would you coordinate with other medical personnel to ensure the highest quality of care for passengers?
Describe a situation where you had to diagnose and treat a medical emergency in an aircraft.
How do you keep up with changes to FAA regulations and guidelines related to flight physiology?
What are some of the most common physiological issues encountered in aviation?
What strategies do you use to educate passengers and crew about aviation medical risks and protocols?

Common Tools in Industry

VO2 Max Testing. A test used to measure the maximum amount of oxygen an individual can utilize during exercise. (eg: Testing aerobic capacity during a treadmill test)
Heart Rate Monitors. A device used to measure and track heart rate during physical activity. (eg: Measuring heart rate during a cycling session)
Ergospirometry. A tool that measures the volume of oxygen and carbon dioxide exhaled during physical activity. (eg: Testing ventilation during a treadmill test)
Blood Pressure Monitoring. A tool used to measure the pressure of the blood flowing through the arteries. (eg: Checking blood pressure before and after exercise)
Respiratory Gas Analysis. A tool used to measure the concentration of different gases in the respiratory system. (eg: Measuring oxygen saturation during an exercise test)
Stress Testing. A tool used to evaluate how the body responds to physical or mental stress. (eg: Evaluation of cardiovascular fitness during a treadmill test)
Anthropometric Measurements. A tool used to measure the size and shape of the body. (eg: Measuring body composition with skinfold calipers)
Body Composition Analysis. A tool used to measure the bodys fat, muscle, and water content. (eg: Measuring fat-free mass with a bioelectrical impedance device)
Physiological Modeling. A tool used to build mathematical models of the bodys systems. (eg: Developing an equation to predict oxygen uptake during exercise)

Professional Organizations to Know

Aerospace Medical Association
American College of Aerospace Medicine
International Society of Air Safety Investigators
Civil Aviation Medical Association
International Academy of Aviation Psychology
Aviation Medical Examiners Association
National Business Aviation Association
National Space Biomedical Research Institute
Aerospace Human Factors Association
International Society of Aviation Psychology

We also have Avionics Flight Test Engineer, Flight Operations Manager, and Flight Officer jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Aeromedical Evacuation. A medical process that involves transporting a patient with a medical condition in an aircraft.
Altitude. The height of an aircraft above sea level.
Hypoxia. A condition that occurs when there is inadequate oxygen supply to the body's tissues.
Hyperventilation. A condition caused by overbreathing, which can lead to dizziness, fainting, and other symptoms.
Decompression Sickness. A condition caused by exposure to low pressure, which can lead to joint pain and other symptoms.
Hypobaric Chamber. A chamber used to simulate low atmospheric pressure for training and research purposes.
Cardiovascular System. The system that controls the flow of blood and oxygen throughout the body.
Cabin Pressure. The pressure inside an aircraft cabin, which is maintained to ensure a safe and comfortable flight environment.
Flight Surgeon. A doctor who specializes in aviation medicine and works with pilots and aircrews.
Spatial Disorientation. A loss of orientation caused by conflicting visual, auditory, or other sensory cues in the cockpit.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the role of a Flight Physiologist?

A Flight Physiologist is a specialist in aviation medicine who provides medical advice and direction to pilots, aircrew, and other personnel to ensure their physical and mental health and well-being. They help to ensure the safety of flight operations by providing guidance on health-related issues such as fatigue management, nutrition, hypoxia, and altitude sickness.

What qualifications are needed to become a Flight Physiologist?

To become a Flight Physiologist, you must have a medical degree from an accredited institution and be board certified in Aerospace Medicine. You must also have a minimum of two years of experience in aviation medical research or practice. Additionally, you must be able to pass a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) medical examination.

Where do Flight Physiologists typically work?

Flight Physiologists typically work in aviation medical departments at airlines, military services, and government agencies. They may also work at universities or research institutions conducting studies related to aviation medicine.

What type of duties do Flight Physiologists perform?

Flight Physiologists are responsible for performing examinations on pilots, aircrew, and other personnel to ensure their physical fitness and mental health; providing medical advice on health-related issues such as fatigue management, nutrition, hypoxia, and altitude sickness; conducting research related to aviation medicine; and maintaining records of personnel medical examinations.

What is the salary range for a Flight Physiologist?

Salaries for Flight Physiologists vary depending on experience and location. According to PayScale, the average salary for a Flight Physiologist is $110,813 per year.