Frequently Asked Questions

When is my flight physical due?

Your flight physical is due by the last day of your birth month.

When can I start the process of completing my flight physical?

You have a 90-day window to complete your flight physical. For example, if your birth month is March, the window opens January 1 and closes March 30.

I cannot start or finish my flight physical during the 90-day window. What should I do?

Contact your local flight surgeon or the NOAA AOC flight surgeon to request an extension to your current up chit (DD 2992). Do not let this expire.

Can I have my flight physical done at another service's flight clinic?

Yes, but contact the NOAA AOC flight surgeon first for specific NOAA flight physical requirements.

How often do I need a flight physical?

The requirement for the NOAA Commissioned Officer Corps is annually. If you are 50 years old or older, you will need a long flight physical every year. If you are younger than 50, you will need a long flight physical every fifth year and a short physical each year in between. For example, if you have a long flight physical in 2020, you will need a short flight physical in 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024. In 2025 you will need another long flight physical.

I am a civilian aircrew member. Can the NOAA AOC flight surgeon perform my flight physical?

Yes. Please contact the AOC flight surgeon for more information.

Can an FAA medical certificate serve as a substitute for the NOAA Commissioned Officer Corps flight physical?

It depends. If you are active duty, then no, you must have a military flight physical and be issued a DD 2992 to remain current. If you are a civilian, then yes, the FAA medical certificate can serve as a substitute for the NOAA Commissioned Officer Corps flight physical.