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Old 03-17-2009 | 01:02 PM
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KC10 FATboy
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Joined: Jun 2007
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From: Legacy FO
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No, your FAA FC1 is a sinch and is different. Since I just did a SECOND initial flying class physical for the chair force last week, allow me to give you some idea of what you're in for.

The physical will most likely take ALL day. Do plan accordingly. Drink PLENTY of water the day before and during the morning. Also, you must fast. I think they want a minimum of 12-16 hours. Secondly, DO NOT expose yourself to loud sounds the day before or of. (I wear ear plugs the morning of my physical from the minute I wake up until I am walking into the facility). On the day of the physical, wear comfortable clothing (ask your recruiter).

You will have the following done to you:

Hearing test (sitting in a booth, with a headset on, click to the beeps)
Eye test (near & far eyesight, color test, depth perception, glucoma test, and a few other bizarre tests)
Labs (they are going to take 8 .. yes, eight viles of blood from you)
DNA (they will have you sign a DNA release and you'll be enterred into the system)
RAT (reading out loud test, you will have to read some stupid paragraph out loud)
Vital Signs Check
-Blood pressure (no higher than 140/90) in a sitting, standing, laying down, and then after 2 minutes of exercise with a 60 second break)
-Pulse (same thing as BP check)
-Temperature
Foot Prints
EKG (if you are 35 or older)
Urine Test (diabetes and drug testing) (you will have to fill up two bottles and you'll be monitored (good times))
You will fill out a questionaire of about 100 or so questions ... have you had this, have you done this, etc.etc.
Exam by a Filght Surgeon (he will review your forms, ask a lot of questions, then have you breathe deep and listen to your chest, look in your eyes, ears, mouth, you will have to valsalva, he will give you physical reach and strengths tests (he will restrict your arms and legs and have you push and pull)
Dental Exam (they will take x-rays and you will see a dentist for an exam of your teeth) If you have issues, you will not be Flying Class 1.

That is the first part of the Initial.

Then, assuming you pass that, they will schedule you for a visit to Brooks Air Force Base in San Antonio. You will get more color eye testing, check to see if you had PRK or LASIK, and will take video of your heart (to see if you have any defects). Also, you will get a 400+ question psychological exam (not the MNPI).
I think this is just about it. I think I have most of it, but I might be forgeting something.

GOOD LUCK!!!

-Fatty
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