Aircrew periodic medical examinations.
BACKGROUND
Aircrew are subject to periodic medical examinations (PMEs) throughout their careers. These aim to ensure flight safety.


OBJECTIVE
This paper discusses the history and rationale of screening aircrew. It then considers the ability of the PME to detect abnormalities and predict future in-flight incapacitation.


CONCLUSIONS
We conclude that the current system is of limited value. Selected changes to the content and frequency of aircrew periodic medical examinations could be made without compromising flight safety.
McLoughlin
D C
DC
Royal Air Force Centre of Aviation Medicine, RAF Henlow, Bedfordshire, UK. david@rafcam.org.uk
Jenkins
D I T
DI
D000337:Aerospace Medicine / Q000379:methods*; D000401:Aircraft; D006801:Humans; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000379:methods; D009787:Occupational Medicine / Q000379:methods*; D010808:Physical Examination / Q000379:methods*; D018570:Risk Assessment