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

Jun 18, 2021 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The role of a Flight Surgeon is to ensure the safety and health of those on board an aircraft. Flight Surgeons are responsible for monitoring the health of pilots and crew members, performing physical examinations, providing medical advice, and prescribing medication if necessary. As a result, they help to prevent medical emergencies during flight, maintain flight readiness and ultimately ensure the safety of all passengers.

A Flight Surgeon must have specialized knowledge in aerospace medicine, aviation physiology, and human performance to be successful in this role. They also must have a thorough understanding of the aircraft, its systems and operational environment. Without the expertise of a Flight Surgeon, pilots, crew members, and passengers would be at risk of medical emergencies which could lead to catastrophic consequences.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a Bachelor's Degree. To become a flight surgeon, you must first obtain a bachelor's degree in a field related to medicine. This could include biology, chemistry, or physics.
Attend Medical School. After obtaining a bachelor's degree, you must attend and complete medical school to become a licensed physician.
Gain Relevant Experience. To become a flight surgeon, you must gain relevant experience in the field of aviation medicine. This could include working as an intern or resident at an aviation medical center.
Apply for Flight Surgeon Training. Once you have gained the necessary experience, you can apply for flight surgeon training at the U. S. Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine. This program is highly competitive and requires that applicants pass an examination and interview process.
Complete Training Program. Once accepted into the flight surgeon training program, you must complete the rigorous coursework and training to become certified as a flight surgeon.
Obtain Certification. After completing the necessary training and examinations, you must obtain certification from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). This certification requires that you meet certain medical standards and pass an FAA medical examination.

Becoming a reliable and competent flight surgeon requires dedication and hard work. First, it is essential to learn the necessary knowledge and skills to be able to provide medical care for pilots and other flight personnel. This can be accomplished by attaining a medical degree, with further specialized training in aviation medicine.

it is important to stay up to date on medical research and advancements, and to have a good understanding of aviation physiology and aerospace medicine. Furthermore, a flight surgeon must also have excellent communication and leadership skills, as well as the ability to think quickly and make decisions in a high-pressure environment. Finally, it is critical for a flight surgeon to maintain a professional attitude, in order to provide the best possible care to their patients.

By following these steps, a flight surgeon can become reliable and competent in their field.

You may want to check Flight Engineer, Flight Director, and Air Traffic Controller/Flight Data Communications Specialist for alternative.

Job Description

Provide medical care and treatment to members of assigned flight crews in accordance with applicable regulations.
Perform medical examinations of aircrew members and make recommendations for continued aircrew eligibility.
Execute periodic and special physicals, including flight physicals, for aircrew members.
Review and evaluate aircrew medical records and documents for accuracy and completeness.
Make decisions on aircrew members eligibility for flying duties based on standards of physical fitness.
Monitor the wellness and health of aircrew members during long-term deployments.
Provide consultation and advice to aircrew members regarding health and fitness issues.
Respond to medical emergencies involving flight crew members while in the air or on the ground.
Ensure that all medical equipment is in proper working order and available for use in case of an in-flight medical emergency.
Maintain accurate records of health examinations, treatments, and medications prescribed to aircrew members.
Assist in the development and implementation of medical policies, procedures, and regulations related to aviation medicine.
Provide medical training and education to aircrew members on topics related to aviation medicine.
Keep up to date with current developments in aviation medicine, health and safety regulations, and other related topics.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of aviation physiology, the effects of hypoxia, and the prevention of medical problems associated with aviation.
Knowledge of aircraft safety standards and regulations, including those pertaining to medical issues.
Ability to assess medical fitness for flying and provide medical clearance for flight.
Knowledge of medical protocols for emergency medical care and evacuation during flight.
Ability to interpret laboratory results and evaluate for potential physiological conditions that could affect flying.
Knowledge of aircraft emergency procedures and ability to provide medical guidance and assistance in the event of an emergency.
Ability to diagnose and treat common medical conditions related to aviation.
Knowledge of aircraft and cockpit ergonomics, and the effects of vibration, noise, and air pressure on the body.
Knowledge of aviation psychology and the psychological effects of altitude, fatigue, and stress on pilots and crew members.
Knowledge of drug and alcohol regulations related to aviation, as well as the effects of these substances on performance while flying.

Flight surgeons are critical members of the aviation industry, playing an essential role in the safety and well-being of pilots and crew members. A flight surgeon must possess a wide range of skills and knowledge related to aviation, medicine, and psychology in order to effectively provide pre-flight, in-flight, and post-flight medical care. The most important skill for a flight surgeon is the ability to think critically and make decisions quickly in a high-pressure environment.

Flight surgeons must be able to draw on their knowledge of aviation, medicine, and psychology to accurately assess a situation and make a decision that will ensure the safety of the crew and passengers. Furthermore, a flight surgeon must be able to communicate clearly with pilots and crew members, as well as other medical personnel, in order to effectively coordinate medical care. Finally, they must be able to remain calm and composed in stressful or dangerous situations.

These skills are essential for flight surgeons to provide quality medical care and help pilots and crew members stay safe while flying.

Flight Dispatcher, Flight Control Engineer, and Flight Simulator Engineer are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in dealing with medical emergencies during flight?
How comfortable are you with conducting medical assessments prior to flight?
What strategies do you use to ensure the safety of passengers and crew during flights?
What qualifications do you have that make you an ideal candidate for this position?
How do you stay current with the latest developments in aerospace medicine?
Are you familiar with the FAA regulations and standards related to flight surgery?
How do you handle challenging situations such as a passenger having a medical emergency during a flight?
What type of communication and collaboration do you have with other members of the flight crew?
How do you prioritize and manage difficult medical decisions while in the air?
How do you approach the challenge of providing medical care to passengers in cramped, confined areas?

Common Tools in Industry

Stethoscope. Used to listen to a patients heart and lung sounds (eg: listening for abnormal heart rhythms).
Otoscope. Used to examine the external ear and nasal passages (eg: inspecting for signs of infection).
Aneroid Sphygmomanometer. Used to measure blood pressure (eg: taking a reading of a patients systolic and diastolic pressures).
Diagnostic Imaging Equipment. Used to diagnose and treat medical conditions (eg: X-ray machines, CT scans, ultrasound machines).
Clinical Laboratory Equipment. Used to analyze blood, urine, and other body fluids or tissues (eg: centrifuges, microscopes, spectrophotometers).
Surgical Instruments. Used to perform surgical procedures (eg: scalpels, forceps, sutures).
Medical Monitors. Used to monitor vital signs (eg: pulse oximeters, electrocardiograms).
Medical Software. Used to manage medical records and data (eg: electronic medical records systems, medical billing software).

Professional Organizations to Know

Aerospace Medical Association
American College of Preventive Medicine
American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine
American Board of Preventive Medicine
American Board of Occupational Medicine
American Osteopathic Association
National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants
National Association of Flight Surgeons
Aerospace Medical Association of Canada
International Society of Aviation and Space Medicine

We also have Air Traffic Control Tower Operator/Flight Data Communications Specialist, Flight Technician, and Aviation Maintenance/Avionics Technician jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Aviation Medicine. Aviation medicine is a branch of medicine that specializes in the medical care of pilots, aircrews, and passengers of aircrafts.
Aerospace Medicine. Aerospace medicine specializes in the medical aspects of human performance and the effects of space travel on the human body.
Pre-flight Medical Evaluation. A pre-flight medical evaluation is a comprehensive assessment of an individuals physical and mental health prior to takeoff.
In-flight Medical Care. In-flight medical care involves administering medical care to passengers or crew members during a flight.
Post-flight Medical Evaluation. A post-flight medical evaluation is an assessment of an individuals physical and mental health upon landing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Flight Surgeon?

A Flight Surgeon is a medical doctor with specialized knowledge, experience and training in aviation medicine, aerospace physiology, and medical standards for flight.

What qualifications do you need to become a Flight Surgeon?

To become a Flight Surgeon, you must be a licensed medical doctor, have experience in the military, and be knowledgeable in aviation medicine, aerospace physiology, and medical standards for flight.

What duties does a Flight Surgeon perform?

A Flight Surgeon is responsible for providing medical advice and guidance to pilots and aircrews, evaluating medical fitness for flight, monitoring flight crews' health and performance, and conducting research on flight-related medical issues.

How long does it typically take to become a Flight Surgeon?

Becoming a Flight Surgeon typically involves completing a four-year medical degree program, followed by an additional two to three years of specialty training in aviation medicine.

Where can I find more information about becoming a Flight Surgeon?

You can find more information about becoming a Flight Surgeon from the U.S. Air Force, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and the Aerospace Medical Association (AsMA).