If you are applying for the Flying Branch, you must remember that apart from the general physical standards, there are some standards that are specifically applicable to you. Listed below are the physical requirements applicable to both men and women applying to the Flying Branch.

1. Anthropometric Measurements - The acceptable anthropometric measurements for both Men and Women are as follows:

• Minimum Height - 162.5 cms
• Leg Length - Minimum- 99 cms.Maximum- 120 cms
• Thigh Length - Maximum- 64 cms
• Sitting Height -Minimum- 81.5 cms. Maximum- 96 cms
   

2.  X-ray of cervical and Lumbosacral spine will be carried out.
 

3.  The following conditions detected radiologically will disqualify a candidate for all Air Force Duties:-

• Granulomatous Disease of spine
• Arthritis / Spondylosis

• Rheumatoid arthritis and allied disorders
• Ankylosing Spondylitis
• Osteoarthrosis, Spondylosis and Degenerative joint disease.
• Non-articular rheumatism ( e.g lesions of the rotator cuff, tennis elbow, recurrent lumbago etc).
• Misc disorders including SLE, Polymyositis and Vasculitis.
• Spondylolisthesis / Spondylolysis.
• Compression fracture of vertebra
• Scheuerman’s Disease (Adolescent Kyphosis)
• Loss of cervical lordosis when associated with clinically restricted movements of cervical spine.
• Unilateral / bilateral cervical ribs with demonstrable neurological or circulatory deficit.

• Any other abnormality as so considered by the specialist.
   

In addition, for Flying Branches the under mentioned rules will also apply:-

 

1. Spinal Anomalies acceptable for Flying Duties

• Bilateral complete sacralisation of LV5 and bilateral complete lumbarisation of SV1.
   
• Spina bifida in sacrum and in LV5, if completely sacralised.
   

• Complete block (fused) vertebrae in cervical and dorsal spine at a single level.

 

2. Spinal Condition not acceptable for Flying Duties

• Scoliosis more than 15 by Cobb’s method
   

• Degenerative disc disease.
   

• Presence of Schmorl’s node at more than one level.
   

• Atlanto occipital and atlanto-axial anomalies.
   

• Hemi Vertebra and / or incomplete block (fused) vertebra at more than one level in cervical or dorsal spine.
   

• Unilateral sacralisation or lumbarisation (complete or incomplete) at all levels and bilateral in complete sacralisation or lumbrarisation.
   

3.  Vision
 

• 6/6 in one eye and 6/9 in other, correctable to 6/6 only for hypermetropia. ) Manifest Hypermetropia must not exceed +2.0D Sph, Myopia – Nil and Astigmatism +0.75 D Cyl (within +2.0 D – Max)
   
•  Near Vision N-5 each eye.
   

•  Color Vision CP-1(ML T).
   
• LASIK Surgery for correction of vision is admissible in Transport and Helicopter streams of Short Service Commission (Flying Branch) If the following condition are fulfilled at the time of Air Force medical examination:-

•  LASIK Surgery should not have been carried out before the age of 20 years.
   

o  The axial length of the eye should not be more than 25.5 mm as measured by IOL master.

o  At least twelve months should have lapsed post uncomplicate stable LASIK. No history or evidence of any complication.
 

o  The post LASIK corneal thickness as measured by a corneal pachymeter should not be less than 450 microns.
 

o  Individuals with high refractive errors (>6D) prior to LASIK are to be excluded.  
 

o  Candidates must not suffer from colour or night blindness.
 

4. Occular Muscle Balance - Phorias with the Maddox Rod Test must not exceed:

At 6 meters 

•        Exophoria 6 prism Diopters
•        Esophoria 6 prism Diopters
•        Hyperphoria 1 prism Diopters
•        Hypophoria 1 prism Diopters

 

At 33 cm 

•     Exophoria 16 prism Diopters
•     Esophoria 6 prism Diopters
•     Hyperphoria 1 prism Diopters
•     Hypophoria 1 prism Diopters

 

It may be noted that the Air Force Medical Board is the final authority while deciding the medical fitness for joining the Indian Air Force