Aviation medicine's role in safeguarding aviation safety.
10.4103/singaporemedj.SMJ-2025-064
- Author:
Feng Wei SOH
1
;
Jia Hao Alvin WOO
1
;
Jason Weizheng LOW
2
;
Kenneth Leopold FONG
1
;
Chin Howe Robin LOW
3
Author Information
1. Singapore Changi Aeromedical Centre, Changi General Hospital, Singapore.
2. Air Force Medical Service, Republic of Singapore Air Force, Singapore.
3. Chairman Medical Board's Office, Changi General Hospital, Singapore.
- Publication Type:Review
- Keywords:
Aviation medicine;
flight safety;
medical screening;
pilot incapacitation
- MeSH:
Humans;
Aerospace Medicine/methods*;
Singapore;
Aviation;
Pilots;
Accidents, Aviation/prevention & control*;
Occupational Health;
Safety;
Occupational Medicine;
Military Personnel
- From:Singapore medical journal
2025;66(Suppl 1):S57-S62
- CountrySingapore
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Aviation medicine safeguards flight safety by addressing three critical areas: managing physiological challenges of the aviation environment, preventing in-flight medical incapacitation and ensuring psychological fitness for flight. The field adopts occupational medicine's hierarchy of risk control to mitigate physiological risks in the operating environment, while employing systematic medical screening with tailored standards based on operational requirements to reduce the likelihood of in-flight incapacitation. A comprehensive approach incorporating mental health education, support systems and regular monitoring helps prevent psychological incapacitation. Recent data from the Singapore Changi Aeromedical Centre reveal that ophthalmological, otolaryngological and respiratory conditions are the primary causes of medical disqualification during air force pilot screening, reflecting the unique physiological demands of military aviation. This review emphasises the ongoing challenge of balancing rigorous medical standards with maintaining an adequate pilot recruitment pool, while highlighting the need for evidence-based approaches to aeromedical assessment and certification.
