What percentage of the annual sortie requirements are flight surgeons required to perform in their primary aircraft?

Flight surgeons are medical officers responsible for the health and well-being of aircrew members and ensuring their fitness for duty. They play a vital role in the aviation environment, particularly in generating operational readiness. The requirement for flight surgeons to perform a specific percentage of annual sortie requirements in their primary aircraft is stipulated to sustain their proficiency in the operational setting and to ensure they are familiar with the flight environment.

The correct answer indicates that flight surgeons are required to accomplish 50% of their annual sortie requirements in their primary aircraft. This level of engagement ensures they maintain a strong understanding of both the physical and psychological demands placed on aircrew members. It fosters an ability to better evaluate the health and performance of those they support. Being actively involved in flight operations reinforces their relevance and ensures they can make informed decisions regarding aircrew health, safety, and mission effectiveness. Maintaining this level of involvement is essential to their role and reflects the integration of medical and operational duties in aviation.