The Causes of Disqualification in Class 1 Pilots During Aviation Medical Examinations (2022−2024) in South Korea: A Retrospective Review

Abstract

Purpose: The physical and mental fitness of pilots is important for aviation safety. This study analyzes the causes of disqualification among class 1 pilots who underwent aviation medical examinations in South Korea from 2022 to 2024. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted using data from class 1 pilots who underwent disqualification between 2022 and 2024. The disqualifying conditions were categorized into major groups (e.g., neurological, cancer, mental health, cardiovascular). Results: Among the 26 disqualified pilots, 92.3% (n=24) were men, and the mean age was 49.4 years old (standard deviation, ±6.9). Neurological conditions were the leading cause (27.0%), followed by cancer-related conditions (23.1%) and mental health disorders (15.4%). Cardiovascular diseases accounted for 11.5%, while falsification of medical records, ophthalmologic issues, musculoskeletal problems, and hearing impairments made up the remaining cases. Conclusion: These findings emphasize the importance of rigorous medical standards, robust follow-up protocols, and effective management of both chronic and emergent medical conditions in aviation.

Keywords

• aerospace medicine
• ergonomics
• pilots