Forgive me for posting another question that I know has been discussed numerous times, however I think that this specific circumstance hasn’t been talked about, or at least I can’t find a thread that discuses it. I’m currently pushing into my 5th week at OCS so my research capabilities are very limited as I only have a computer to send email. My fiancé is actually posting this.
My question is in regards to the consequences of admitting being airsick once before on the flight physical. I wanted to be truthful to NAMI, so I admitted to being airsick once before a few years ago. The flight surgeon asked me to fill out a form that asked various questions about modes of motion sickness I have experienced. I only have experience motion sickness once, and that was in the back of a Citabria going through some aerobatic maneuvers. I explained all that and included that I have plenty of flight time where motion sickness was never a problem, including aerobatic maneuvers.
The flight surgeon said I would probably be NPQ for jets, limiting me to the helicopter pipeline. He would have to get back with me. A few days after the physical, another officer candidate (NFO) and I were talking and it turns out he’s in the same boat, though his flight surgeon said he would be most likely be NPQ all together. I’m sure our situations vary a little, but from the way he was describing it, it’s pretty much the same as mine.
Doing some research I found this:
Navy: Aircrew with intractable airsickness are not physically qualified (NPQ), no waiver. However, there is a Self-Paced Airsickness Desensitization (SPAD) program available at the Naval Aerospace Medical Institute (NAMI) which is an option prior to permanent grounding. If the airsickness interferes with performance in flight, the patient will be evaluated by the flight surgeon to rule out medical causes (neurovestibular) and then referred to NAMI if appropriate. The majority of aircrew become habituated to the stimuli and do not require treatment other than regular flying. Others may benefit from a combination of desensitization, biofeedback training, relaxation training and psychological counseling. Promethazine (Phenergan) 25 mg combined with dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine) 5 mg taken one hour prior to flight is permitted for up to three flights during training, provided the patient is accompanied in flight by an instructor pilot. If symptoms recur following discontinuation of medication, this is the appropriate time for referral to the SPAD program at NAMI.
Does this concern aircrew that are already in the fleet, or applicants also? Can anyone enlighten me a little about what to expect? Knowing a little in advance on the reality of the situation can help me plan accordingly. I didn’t think this would be a big deal, but since hearing about a Candio being NPQ for shin splints and pilots dropping like flies around here, I’m now concerned.
Another question, I had runners knee about 4 months before I classed up for OCS. I told him that I had it but now it’s gone and fine. I never missed a PT session and run in the front of the class with no problem. Does anyone know if this will be an issue since it was resolved?
Any help will be appreciated. Thank you
My question is in regards to the consequences of admitting being airsick once before on the flight physical. I wanted to be truthful to NAMI, so I admitted to being airsick once before a few years ago. The flight surgeon asked me to fill out a form that asked various questions about modes of motion sickness I have experienced. I only have experience motion sickness once, and that was in the back of a Citabria going through some aerobatic maneuvers. I explained all that and included that I have plenty of flight time where motion sickness was never a problem, including aerobatic maneuvers.
The flight surgeon said I would probably be NPQ for jets, limiting me to the helicopter pipeline. He would have to get back with me. A few days after the physical, another officer candidate (NFO) and I were talking and it turns out he’s in the same boat, though his flight surgeon said he would be most likely be NPQ all together. I’m sure our situations vary a little, but from the way he was describing it, it’s pretty much the same as mine.
Doing some research I found this:
Navy: Aircrew with intractable airsickness are not physically qualified (NPQ), no waiver. However, there is a Self-Paced Airsickness Desensitization (SPAD) program available at the Naval Aerospace Medical Institute (NAMI) which is an option prior to permanent grounding. If the airsickness interferes with performance in flight, the patient will be evaluated by the flight surgeon to rule out medical causes (neurovestibular) and then referred to NAMI if appropriate. The majority of aircrew become habituated to the stimuli and do not require treatment other than regular flying. Others may benefit from a combination of desensitization, biofeedback training, relaxation training and psychological counseling. Promethazine (Phenergan) 25 mg combined with dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine) 5 mg taken one hour prior to flight is permitted for up to three flights during training, provided the patient is accompanied in flight by an instructor pilot. If symptoms recur following discontinuation of medication, this is the appropriate time for referral to the SPAD program at NAMI.
Does this concern aircrew that are already in the fleet, or applicants also? Can anyone enlighten me a little about what to expect? Knowing a little in advance on the reality of the situation can help me plan accordingly. I didn’t think this would be a big deal, but since hearing about a Candio being NPQ for shin splints and pilots dropping like flies around here, I’m now concerned.
Another question, I had runners knee about 4 months before I classed up for OCS. I told him that I had it but now it’s gone and fine. I never missed a PT session and run in the front of the class with no problem. Does anyone know if this will be an issue since it was resolved?
Any help will be appreciated. Thank you