Can anyone explain WHY APA-C and ANP get paid less that MD/DO when working in an aviation unit on flight status? Same job right?

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 17 Feb 2016 08:48:06 -0500

We all go to the same course. We do essentially the same job. Why does an MD/DO get rated crew pay (ACIP) and a PA only gets a flat rate for non-rated, non-crew member of $150 no matter how many years one serves. Even medical students get paid as crew member. See the slides below, directly from the FS course. Thoughts?

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 17 at 2016 9:18 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 17 Feb 2016 09:18:36 -0500

It's because they are considered a rated crew member while we are not. Goes back to the days when the docs were actually capable of piloting the bird if necessary. I think they are looking at updating it, but as of now its due to the classification.

Response by SN Greg Wright made Feb 17 at 2016 12:04 PM

SN Greg Wright — Wed, 17 Feb 2016 12:04:56 -0500

I know your question is targeted at people who will know those acronyms, Captain, but for my own education, I wonder if you'd lay them out for me?

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 17 at 2016 8:44 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 17 Feb 2016 20:44:23 -0500

They do have more years of training but it think it is something more.
Same reason PAs are not allowed to be dive officers in navy or Air Force (army let's PAs be DMOs), same reasons why physicians wanted PAs stripped of flight surgeon title. It's a prestige thing.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 18 at 2016 9:59 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 18 Jun 2016 21:59:37 -0400

We are non-rated non-crewmembers, so no ASIP, just HZD

Response by CPT Douglas Griffith made Aug 15 at 2016 1:33 PM

CPT Douglas Griffith — Mon, 15 Aug 2016 13:33:55 -0400

You answered your own question, "We do essentially the same job."

Response by MAJ Christopher M. made Sep 7 at 2016 11:17 PM

MAJ Christopher M. — Wed, 07 Sep 2016 23:17:32 -0400

Used to be Physicians went through the Initial flight school Training and did have hands on the controls. Also used to be most aircraft could be flown single pilot, now pretty much all of them require two qualified pilots. Part of the answer is to get Physicians to stay in those slots rather then do some thing that pays better in the long run. Part of it is the same reason you have a Physician above you that is responsible for the care you provide as a PA or NP. Not necessarily good reasons any more but it is what it is until the regs are changed.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 5 at 2017 11:35 PM

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 05 Jan 2017 23:35:35 -0500

I agree we that we often times carry the load in keeping our aviators up. But ours are not the only signature required.

Response by CPT Douglas Griffith made Jan 12 at 2017 1:50 PM

CPT Douglas Griffith — Thu, 12 Jan 2017 13:50:32 -0500

Pay is different because the responsibility is different..

Response by MAJ Larry Clifton made Apr 19 at 2017 4:48 PM

MAJ Larry Clifton — Wed, 19 Apr 2017 16:48:08 -0400

That has been argued for years.
Many APA's have been recognized for their hard workin their units; would recommend working with your BDE FS and mother Rucker for changes