Pilot Cat

Pilot Cat

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Will my allergies stop me from becoming a pilot in the Air Force?

I have allergies to house mites, cats and I have slight hay fever.

Possibly. In my office in the AF we did approximately 30-40 Flying Class II (annual flight)exams and 20 Flying Class I (Academy/ROTC) exams per week. IAW AR 40-501 "Standards of Medical Fitness" it can be disqualifying for flight duty:

4–20. Nose
The causes of medical unfitness for flying duty Classes 1/2/2F/3/4 are in paragraph 2–25, plus the following:
a. History of allergic rhinitis or vasomotor rhinitis requiring the use of antihistamines for a cumulative period
greater than 30 days per year.

Allergic rhinitis is swelling/inflammation of the nasal tissues. As many military aircraft are unpressurized a pilot mst be able to "clear his ears using the valsalva maneuver". It equalizes the pressure on both sides of the tympanic membrane (eardrum).

First and foremost you must be able to pass a Flying Class I (most intensive physical in the USAF). To have the best chance to pass the physical get an evaluation by an otolaryngologist (ENT) doctor to assess the severity of your allergies and the effect on the nose, sinuses and ears by extension.

The problem is not just with the allergies but also the treatment for allergies. Jets and antihistamines don't go together.

Be honest on the forms you must fill out. When a flight surgeon looks in your nose he will see effects of allergens, if any. Mild hay fever is not in and of itself disqualifying.
Best of luck to you.