Morbidity Patterns of Aircrew of Bangladesh Air Force that Impacts Flying Fitness

Background: Serving as a military pilot is an exceptionally demanding and high-pressure occupation that necessitates optimal mental and physical well-being. Physical health is not merely a desired quality but an essential prerequisite for pilots. Aircrew of Bangladesh Air Force go through a set process of periodic medical check-up to ensure that everyone is maintaining the optimum health status. The aim of this study is to determine the morbidity pattern of aircrew that resulted in unfitness for flying in last five years. Methods: The retrospective study was conducted in the medical squadron of Bangladesh Air Force Base Bashar. A total of 79 aircrew who were placed in either temporary or permanent low medical category by the Central Medical Board of Bangladesh Air Force during the period June 2019 to November 2024 were included in this study. Results: In this study the systemic illness category constituted the majority of cases (45.57%) followed by the musculoskeletal disorders (17.72%). In the systemic disease category, essential hypertension was the cause of most (10) down categorization. Within the musculoskeletal disorders, traumas and injuries accounted for 73.68% of cases, whereas spinal disorders comprised the remaining 26.31%. Among severe injuries, fracture of the lower limbs was the predominant diagnosis. The data indicates that the most down categorization occurred in the 31-40 age group, while above 50 years age group suffered the fewest occurrences. A total of 56 patients (70.88%) received various temporary low medical category while 23 patients (29.11%) were granted permanent low medical categories. Conclusion: During recruiting and service period aircrew go through meticulously planned periodic medical check-up process. Because of the change in lifestyle, stress and other factors young pilots are being identified with morbidities more than the older pilots now