Aerospace Medicine

Overview

Mayo's Aerospace Medicine program was born in the 1930s with a core team of physiologists, technicians, engineers and flight surgeons who introduced technologies that would later reshape aviation medicine. From its celebrated past, the program has evolved into a modern resource for pilots, aircraft manufacturers, airlines, and corporate flight departments. From Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) flight physicals to specialized physiological training of pilots and cabin crew, the Mayo Aerospace Medicine program participates in a variety of activities applicable to recreational pilots, professional air transport personnel, and individuals traveling in high altitude environments. Many of the members of the staff in Mayo Clinic Aerospace Medicine have civilian and/or military flight experience. The combined expertise in the fields of Aerospace Medicine, Internal Medicine, Occupational Medicine, Psychiatry and Pulmonary Medicine can be brought to bear in treatment through Mayo's team approach to best assist the aviator.

Executive Flight physicals, performed on pilots of corporate flight departments and other professional organizations, are an extension of Mayo's Executive Health program. This program design makes it possible to combine a comprehensive preventive health examination with the forensic aspects of the FAA flight physical while utilizing examiners who are familiar with and understand the importance of appropriate reporting and expeditious processing of pilot data.

Certain medical conditions may be disqualifying for pilots under FAA regulations. However, with waivers termed "Special Issuance Authorizations," pilots may continue to fly with a time-limited certificate. Mayo Clinic specializes in complex aerospace medical consulting for pilots of all training levels and type ratings.

Mayo Aerospace Medicine also participates in aerospace medical directorship of aircraft in flight and specialized services for flying passengers in conjunction with Mayo Clinic Executive Travel Response under the direction of Mayo Clinic Medical Transport.