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UNITED STATES AIR FORCE SCHOOL OF AEROSPACE MEDICINE
Aeromedical Consult Service
Flight Medical Standards Branch
Brooks City-Base, San Antonio, Texas
http://www.brooks.af.mil
  
Medical Flight Screening (MFS) |
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This web page pertains only to those individuals who have previously had a FC I physical exam
certified by HQ AETC/SG pending successful completion of MFS. |
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Medical Flight Screening (MFS) exam information |
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What is Medical Flight Screening
Planning for your exam
Brooks City-Base
Transportation Information
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Billeting information
MFS exam schedule
Contact lens Policy
Corneal Refractive Surgery (CRS) policy)
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Sending your information
In-processing information
Admin and Contact information
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What is Medical Flight Screening (MFS)? |
MFS (Medical Flight Screening) was designed to augment the Flying Class (FC I) physical exam performed at local Flight Medicine Clinics across the USAF on Active Duty, Air Nation Guard and Reserve pilot applicants. The certification stamp on the FC I exam will note "pending successful completion of MFS" which means it requires the additional MFS evaluation. FC I examinations accomplished at Brooks City-Base do not require a separate MFS evaluation since the FC I and MFS exam are combined in one visit and are certified by HQ AETC/SG appropriately.
The MFS evaluation is accomplished on pilot selectees just prior or en-route to IFS, UPT or in some cases OTS. Candidates will undergo neuropsychological testing, ophthalmology testing, and anthropometric measurements. Those candidates certified for FC I with waiver for any vision issues will be reviewed/re-evaluated by optometry and ophthalmology to ensure they are stable and remain within waiver limits. If the condition is stable the waiver will be validated by the Aeromedical Consult Service (ACS) and the candidate is cleared to proceed to UPT/IFS etc. If there are changes or new findings, we will re-accomplish your waiver and expedite it to AETC/SG for review and certification. |
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Historically, 2% of MFS evaluations fail to meet FC I standards due to vision problems or anthropometric measurements. If a condition is identified during your MFS evaluation, you will have an opportunity to discuss the abnormality and waiver guidelines with one of our specialists. Waiver authority remains with HQ AETC/SGPS at Randolph AFB, TX. Due to the nature of this program, medical waiver requests are expedited (within 24-48 hrs) to avoid delays for those in route to IFS or UPT. Unfortunately, on rare occasion individuals may become disqualified for FC I due to a condition considered non-waiverable. We understand the impact this will have on your future plans, and will assist you any way we can. |
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Transportation to and from the San Antonio International airport (MapQuest) is not provided; therefore you will need to take a Taxi Cab (approximately $37) or rental car from the airport to Brooks City-Base Billeting office.
Upon arrival (before you let your cab leave) please check where you are billeted, you may need the cab to take you to one of the off base hotels. There is a base shuttle for you to utilize, times are listed under the billeting section.
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The MFS program has priority for on-base lodging. In some situations you may be assigned billeting off-base, if that's the case you will receive a non-availability statement to file with your travel voucher. Please make sure you have funds available as needed. If you need to inquire about your room accommodations please call Brooks City-Base Billeting office |
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There is a shuttle which runs in the mornings from the following locations to the base at the times listed, however, please check with the billeting office to verify. |
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Billeting
-Bldg 214: 0645 hrs
-Bldg 718: 0645 hrs |
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Since Brooks City-Base is not an active Air Force installation, many of the amenities normally associated with an AF installation are not available. Brooks City-Base does have a mini BX (at the gas station) which carries basic personal items, uniform items, snack foods and OTC meds if needed, there is a dining hall (Sydney’s), a fitness center, and library with internet access available for your use. These facilities are all approximately 1-2 miles walking distance from billeting. |
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You are welcome to purchase a rental car at your own expense, there is parking available at our facility, however, in rare circumstances you may need to undergo additional eye exams (cycloplegic dilation) which will affect your ability to drive. Having transportation is a plus if you intend to visit The River Walk, Market Square, the Alamo or other historical Missions. |
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• CRS patients: If you have had any type of laser eye surgery you must send us all pre and post surgical exams, your stay will be at least 1 ½ to 2 days, so please make sure return flights are no earlier than 1400 hrs on Thursday. Travel time to/from Brooks City-Base to the San Antonio airport is approximately 30 minutes, so please plan accordingly.
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• MFS evaluations are conducted on Wednesdays only. Your day of testing will commence at 0700 hrs in building 110, 2nd floor FC I/MFS waiting room, and end at approximately 1600 hrs. There are no lab-work or cardiology requirements for MFS evaluations; therefore you do not need to fast prior to your exam. There is a shuttle (as shown above) available to and from billeting, please check on pick-up times when you check-in to billeting. You should be well-rested and have eaten breakfast since you will start your evaluation process with 4 – 4 1/2 hours of IQ and other Neuropsychiatry testing. The uniform of the day is any combination of approved USAF uniform; blues, ABUs, and flight suits for those individuals on aeronautical orders. Civilians should dress business casual, polo-shirt with slacks. Normally you will remain in the immediate testing area for the whole day. Lunch will be provided for a fee of $7.00 (pizza and a beverage), if you decide to bring your own lunch we do have a refrigerator available for you to use. Smaller groups (5 or less) you may be released for lunch providing you have transportation.
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Medical Flight Screening schedule |
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0700-0715
In-process; welcome briefing, collect orders, collect medical records, collect money for lunch.
0715-0730
Anthropometric Measurements
0730-1200
Neuropsychological Testing
1200-1300
Lunch
Smaller classes (6 or less) you will be released.
Larger classes (7-18) we will order pizza.
1300-1530
Eye Exams
Near and distant visual acuity
Depth perception
Color vision testing
Corneal topography
Red lens test
1530-1600
Released. (CRS Patients will be required to return Thursday morning at 0730 hrs for additional eye exams and administrative requirements for ACS evaluation) |
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After your in-processing briefing, you will accomplish Anthropometric measurements (standing and sitting height) followed by Neuropsychiatry testing, consisting of cognitive, intelligence and personality tests. These tests will be administered throughout the morning, approximately 4 ½ hrs. The Neuropsychiatry tests are for baseline information and will not affect your qualification for UPT. When completed you will be given an hour for lunch, normally we order pizza, but for smaller classes you may option to go elsewhere providing you have transportation. The afternoon testing consists Optometry/Ophthalmology testing, you will undergo three tests, Corneal topography which evaluates the cornea utilizing computer-enhanced imagery, red lens test which evaluates eye muscle balance and color vision testing will also be conducted. Individuals who have had CRS or waivers for other eye issues will undergo additional testing and ACS evaluations as required. Anthropometrics measurements and Ophthalmology testing must be passed to continue into UPT. |
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Contact Lens Use Restrictions |
Prior to your appointment you must be:
30 days soft contact lens free
90 days hard contact lens free
If you have worn contact lenses within the timeframe specified above, please contact your MFS program manager immediately to reschedule your appointment. |
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If you wear glasses, please bring them with you to your MFS exam. |
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Corneal Refractive Surgery (CRS) |
VERY IMPORTANT
If you have had any type of corneal refractive surgery (PRK, LASIK, LASEK) you are required to send us copies of all pre/post surgical medical reports and corneal topographies accomplished with your follow-up exams. We must receive all documentation at a minimum of 30 days prior to your MFS exam. Our optometry/ophthalmology specialists will review your documents and may or may not request additional information to support your waiver. If you have had CRS please provide your information quickly (no later than 2 weeks prior to your appointment) to avoid cancellation of your appointment. |
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Here's how to send the required CRS Information |
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Please submit your CRS information via e-mail with attachments. |
Edit the subject line with your personal information: |
MFS-CRS-DD/MM/YR-Doe-1234 |
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If you are unable to scan and/or e-mail these documents you may fax them to: |
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Commercial: (210) 536-4443 or DSN: 240-4443 |
Attention: FC I/MFS - QA Team |
Subject: MFS-PRK pre/post op reports |
Date Scheduled: DD/MM/YYYY |
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If you are unable to fax these documents, please mail them to: |
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Attention: FC I/MFS – QA Team |
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Brooks City-Base Texas 78235 |
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• Active Duty - One copy of orders and medical records.
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• Guard and Reserve - One copy of orders for signature, and medical records.
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• You must have a previously certified FC I exam on record, you can have your local Flight surgeons office look this up in PEPP (on-line physical exam processing program) to make sure you have met this requirement. If your exam was certified by AETC but is not in PEPP, please bring a copy of your certified exam to your appointment.
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If you have any question regarding your MFS evaluation, we can be contacted at the following e-mail address. We are more than willing to answer any questions you may have regarding your appointment. |
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E-Mail Inquiries to: MFS-Appointment or you may call (210) 536-5074, 6871 or 5236 |
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We would like to create a unique environment in our FC I/MFS waiting room and enable you to show off your Unit, Majcom, AFROTC Detachment, College or University pride. To do this we ask you to bring an item of memorabilia to display in our waiting area, items should be practical, of good taste, and easy to display. If you choose to bring coins or patches we’ll frame them and put them up for display, otherwise a banner, pennant, or something similar would be nice…coffee cups are also nice for future classes to use.
  
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You will be spending a good portion of your time in our FC I /MFS waiting area, there are snacks, sodas, water, and coffee available for purchase. We have some items available to help pass the time: darts, cards, TV with DVD/VCR player, so you are welcome to bring a movie suitable for group viewing. |
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Questions or comments concerning this web site:
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