United States Naval Flight Surgeon Handbook
2nd Edition 1998

Boards of Flight Surgeons

Reference:

• MANMED Chap. 15

• Aeromedical Waiver Guide

Local Boards of Flight Surgeons (LBFS)

Convening Authority:
Aviation Commander, or higher authority.

Membership:
The Local Board of Flight Surgeons will consist of at least three medical officers, one of whom must be a flight surgeon. Other medical officers may be Board members as required or appropriate, particularly in cases where an individual is being followed by a specialist. The senior Flight Surgeon is the senior member of the Board.

• The use of medical specialists for consultation or appointment to the Board is encouraged.

Recommendations of the LBFS:

• Are made to the Aviation Commander for his consideration. He is not bound to heed any recommendation.

• If the aircrewman is found medically unfit for flight, the reasons are to be clearly defined.

If the Local Board recommends that a waiver of physical standards is appropriate, then the senior member of the board may issue an Aeromedical Clearance Notice pending final approval from BUPERS/CMC. The decision of the board is binding until it is reviewed. If the local board’s decision is overturned, it is so on the date of review and notification, not retroactive to the board's decision.

Reporting (LBFS):
LBFS reports are to be typed, explaining the decision of the board and discussion of the problems along with:

• SF88

• SF93

• all relevant consultations

Board reports are to be forwarded to BUPERS/CMC via the convening authority and NOMI Code 42 (Physical Qualifications) within 10 working days of the board’s conclusion.

Remember that the LBFS is charged with the responsibility of determining the medical fitness of aircrew to continue to fly. You are not granting a waiver, you are merely determining fitness to continue flying. If a waiver is recommended, the Board may recommend that the aircrew continue to fly during the review process and issue an up chit, but it is a very good idea to discuss this with NOMI Code 42 beforehand.

Special Boards of Flight Surgeons (SBFS)

Convening Authority:
Commanding Officer NOMI

Membership:
All active duty Naval Flight Surgeons on flight orders in the Pensacola area, as approved by the Commanding Officer, NOMI.

Referral to a SBFS:
Requests for a SBFS may be made by the aviation Commanding Officer to the Commanding Officer NOMI, preferably upon the recommendation of a LBFS. If approved by the Commanding Officer NOMI, a recommendation will be made to BUPERS/CMC to order the member to NOMI for evaluation. The request is sent via Immediate Superior in Command (ISIC) to NOMI Code 42 with:

• SF88

• SF93

• all appropriate consults and narrative summary.

NOMI Needs (for SBFS):

• The original package (reason for referral)

• Health record

• Natops Flight Training Jacket

• Aviation Qualification Jacket

The aircrewman reports to NOMI before 0800 on Monday, prior to the 1st or 3rd Friday of the month.

Reports of SBFS
Reports are made to BUPERS/CMC (through BUMED) by same day message.

Senior Board of Flight Surgeons
A Senior Board of Flight Surgeons at BUMED in Washington, D.C. is the final reviewing authority for all aeromedical dispositions. This standing board consists of five members; the Assistant Chief for Fleet Readiness and Support (Med-02), three senior flight surgeons and a senior line officer assigned by the CNO. The board functions not only as the final authority for aeromedical disposition of cases, but also as aeromedical policy advisor to the CNO and CMC. Final determinations of the board are submitted to CNO or CMC within 5 working days after completion of the meeting.

United States Naval Flight Surgeon Handbook: 2nd Edition 1998

The Society of U.S. Naval Flight Surgeons