Physical standards for high-performance fighter aircraft pilots.

The new generation of high-performance aircraft has clearly emphasized man's physiological limitations to withstand sustained high G loading. The selection and retention standards required to function in this environment have not been completely defined. The authors will offer a format of standards and screening tests, placing special emphasis on the detection of subclinical disease, particularly coronary artery disease. Cases which illustrate the spectrum of asymptomatic coronary disease will be presented. Other entities discussed will include conduction defects, mild valvular lesions, arrhythmias, and degenerative joint disease of the spine. An overall approach based on age, screening milestones, and specialized tests will be presented. Finally, a data repository on all pilots with chronic high G exposure will be discussed.