Can I get a flight physical before I take the SIFT?

2019-12-02T03:37:43-05:00

I’m already pursing a degree in Aeronautics and my SGM wants me to try for warrant. I’m 5ft flat so I’m not confident that I’ll pass the military flight physical. Can I get the physical BEFORE I take the SIFT so I know if I’m eligible without all of the extra studying?

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 2 at 2019 3:42 AM

2019-12-02T03:42:40-05:00

I did, so yes.

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 2 at 2019 3:43 AM

2019-12-02T03:43:21-05:00

Although, it may depend on the provider whether or not they will do it.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 2 at 2019 5:26 AM

2019-12-02T05:26:29-05:00

Why would your height affect your flight physical?

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 2 at 2019 8:51 AM

2019-12-02T08:51:12-05:00

Your finger tip to finger tip wing span will affect your flight physical. Purpose being, you have to be able to reach all the controls in the cockpit. Some clinics/flight surgeons will give you the physical without taking the sift. Take the SIFT first. If you don’t pass that, There’s no point in getting physical.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 2 at 2019 8:55 AM

2019-12-02T08:55:04-05:00

I got my first flight physical months before I took the SIFT as I wanted to be sure nothing medically was going to disqualify me. The clinic never asked me anything about SIFT or otherwise, but like SFC Batson said, it may depend on your clinic. Just go down in person and schedule it. They likely won't even mention the SIFT.

Response by CW4 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 2 at 2019 10:40 AM

2019-12-02T10:40:01-05:00

I would recommend going to the clinic and attempt to get your physical knocked out. If you are medically disqualified then the SIFT doesn't matter. Some clinics require you do it the other way but it never hurts to see if they will do a physical first. Take this one step at a time and you will be able to get it all done in a timely fashion. If you need any other guidance don't hesitate to ask.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 2 at 2019 1:48 PM

2019-12-02T13:48:23-05:00

Correction on my last comment. If you can get a physical before the sift, do so.

Response by CPL Gary Pifer made Dec 2 at 2019 4:46 PM

2019-12-02T16:46:08-05:00

Have you had any cockpit orientation. Flight orientations? Any stick time? I used to fly a little and the pilot let me have some stick time.. as I was a 19D , 11B.. I've even have had flight physicals. Just ask.

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 2 at 2019 6:56 PM

2019-12-02T18:56:32-05:00

When I went to schedule mine they did some of it, mainly the body measurements prior to me taking the SIFT. They did hold off on the important stuff until after I passed it.

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 3 at 2019 2:35 AM

2019-12-03T02:35:29-05:00

Yeah everyone here pretty much nailed it. I was able to do my first half of the physical on our Germany rotation, but once I got back to Fort Hood they were asking if I completed my SIFT first. Thankfully I already started my physical so they let me finish.

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 6 at 2019 12:54 AM

2019-12-06T00:54:53-05:00

Depends on Unit SOP. Some units will allow you to do the medical exam before you pass the sift. Some will not allow it. Just because the SIFT is an electronic test they don’t waste much money on. Yet the medical exam they pay quite a bit of money for all the examinations to be processed. So if you couldn’t pass the exam you don’t get to waste the money