Forum: Future F-16 crew

So my friend got booted from AF ROTC because of medical issues, he is allergic to bee stings. With the active duty AF cutting down, there was no way they would consider giving him a wavier (or however you spell that) for it. Is there possibilities for the Guard or reserves in his future? Not necessarily as a pilot. Not sure if that is what he was thinking or not, but just in general... doing anything...

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Salute!

Bee stings?

Hell, a lot of folks have reactions to insect bites and pollen and other things.

Now, all of you will appreciate we pilots' aversion to hospitals and Doctors. All they can do is ground you.

Sure wish the troop would have asked us before going to the Doc. If you're not treated for an allergy, then you don't have one, OK?

If the troop doesn't have an official medical sheet, recommend he simply finish school and apply for OTS. Allergies are common, and I have a hard time believing disqualification for something that 99% of us are allergic to.

later,

I'm sure it also defends upon exactly how allergic you are... if you are carrying an epi-pen everywhere, front line duties may not be for you. But, maybe there is a desk that needs flying. Best advice is to ask recruiters or flight medical people. I have said this a lot and I think in the Email age a lot of people don't seem to realize that the phone is still a very powerful tool to get answers to amny of your question. Smile

Cooleo, I'll see if he has an official medical sheet... But yeah... he is allergic "epi-pen"ically (he has an epi-pen, so it is more than the average...)

From about 12-15 years of age I was allergic to a certain kind of mold. I did carry an epi-pen, but never used. I also took that allergy test (can't recall name at the moment) and it said I had a 25 allergic rating on a scale of 100. Is this bad even though I no longer carry the epi-pen and believe I have outgrown this allergy? (Last reaction about 4 years ago) I read somewhere that after a certain age if an allergy is presents this is a disqualifying factor. Is this a big no-no that will keep me from a pilot’s slot? Will it help if I lay low from now on? Also I did go to the ER a couple times for reactions but never was it life threatening, just to be sure. My dearest mother made a big deal out of it. (Don't get me wrong I'm happy for the over protection)

Funny thing is my only reaction that was remotely bad was my first and of all places I was on a plane.

Also with my thoughts jumping everywhere, What if i take the allergy test again and get proof of the out-grown allergy?

I used to be allergic to just about everything... cats, mold, dogs, you name it... got shots for it up until prolly 6-7 years ago... now i'm allergy free. Got a note from my ummm... allergy doctor dude that says i'm free of allergies. Incase the AF wants to see it. But i'm not bringing it up unless they ask. I never had an epi pen for anything though... so i'd imagine my allergies were much less severe. But yeah, don't really know what to tell you on that one.

Hey man, come on to the Guard. It shouldn't be a problem. He will have to get a waiver but m.t.l. he will have to get a waiver also. Flying, may be possible if his scores are high enough. Later

Forum: Future F-16 crew

Allergies to bees and the ANG