Can I appeal a waiver denial by Ft. Rucker on my flight physical? Should I try and go through another flight surgeon?

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 07 Jan 2018 16:20:56 -0500

I completed my flight physical with a civilian Flight Surgeon. I was required a waiver through Orthro (due to Temp Profiles) and BH (Marriage Counseling). I was cleared by both sections, but the Flight Surgeon called and told me the waiver was denied by Ft. Rucker. He didn't have any other details other than it was denied. Is this the end of the road for me, or should I try and go through another flight surgeon?

Thanks in advance.

Response by SFC Joseph Weber made Jan 7 at 2018 4:49 PM

SFC Joseph Weber — Sun, 07 Jan 2018 16:49:47 -0500

I remember those messages for waiver denials. Not for flight but just in general. NO with no explanation and none ever given. That was about it. Pissed me off as a recruiter.

Response by SGT Joseph Gunderson made Jan 7 at 2018 9:10 PM

SGT Joseph Gunderson — Sun, 07 Jan 2018 21:10:06 -0500

It's a waiver. They don't have to give them to you. Frankly, if they are not in need of the position that you are attempting to get into, then they probably aren't going to be waivering anyone into that position. You can probably attempt to apply for a waiver again, but I would imagine that if they still don't need people for the positions, if they have the option to take candidates that don't require waivers, or your circumstances just make it out to be outside the umbrella of what they usually will waiver, then you probably aren't going to see a different outcome.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Jan 7 at 2018 9:25 PM

SGM Bill Frazer — Sun, 07 Jan 2018 21:25:14 -0500

It might do better to go to a military flight surgeon who knows the system to get it past Ft Rucker.

Response by PFC Jim Wheeler made Jan 8 at 2018 7:07 AM

PFC Jim Wheeler — Mon, 08 Jan 2018 07:07:51 -0500

It might be worth waiting until ~Oct. at the beginning of the new FY to try again. I have heard that it is easier to get a waiver when the FY restarts because that is when they decide how many positions are needed for that FY.

Perhaps someone with more experience will correct me if I am mistaken, though.

Response by LTJG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 8 at 2018 6:19 PM

LTJG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 08 Jan 2018 18:19:18 -0500

If you get a class 1 flight physical from Navy or Air Force Medicine, will that increase your chances do you think?

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 10 at 2018 7:00 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 10 Feb 2018 19:00:12 -0500

It’s tough to know why you were denied without looking through your records but agree it might be worth a try going to a military Flight Surgeon. Sometimes they can finesse the wording in your physical to get Rucker to approve. Not saying it will happen, but it’s worth a try if it’s a dream of yours. From what I am hearing, Rucker is so far behind and short staffed that it is hard for them to put in any legwork to get a soldier approved.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 11 at 2018 2:41 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 11 Feb 2018 02:41:57 -0500

Never Doctor Shop.
They all know each other.

Address the issue at hand. If you cannot correct the issue, you are not meant fly or crew.