U.S. Air Force

Aerospace Medicine

Flight surgeons and aerospace medicine specialists who keep aircrew flying. From altitude physiology research to combat stress management, Aerospace Medicine ensures the human weapon system stays operational.

The Human Factor in Flight Est. 1918

Aerospace Medicine

Flight Surgeons / Physiologists

Flight Surgeon AOC

School of Aero Med

Aerospace Medicine is where military medicine meets the physics of flight. Flight surgeons keep aircrew medically qualified and operationally effective. They manage G-force tolerance, hypoxia recognition, and combat fatigue. The USAF School of Aerospace Medicine, originally at Brooks Field, Texas, has trained flight surgeons since 1918. These physicians deploy with flying units, fly in the aircraft, and understand operations from the inside. Read more

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Research to Operations 1947 - Present

Altitude and G-Force Research

The Science Behind Survival

Rocket Sled Pioneer

Anti-G Technology

Colonel John Stapp rode a rocket sled to prove human tolerance to deceleration, leading directly to automotive seatbelt requirements. USAF researchers developed anti-G suits, on-board oxygen generating systems, and ejection seat medical protocols. The altitude physiology training program ensures every aircrew member knows the symptoms of hypoxia before encountering them at 40,000 feet. Read more

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DEPLOYED MEDICINE

Operational Flight Medicine

Flight Surgeons in the Fight

Surgeon on Wing

Risk Mitigation

Flight surgeons deploy with their wings. In combat they manage aircrew fatigue during surge ops, clear pilots after injuries, provide combat stress debriefings, and advise the wing commander. During OIF and OEF, flight surgeons managed go-pill protocols for long-duration missions, treated TBI in pilots exposed to blast, and maintained flying qualifications under combat conditions. Read more

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1918

School Established

USAFSAM

School of Aero Med

48A

Flight Surgeon AOC

Fit

To Fly