Aeromedical Physician Assistant (APA) and Aviation Medicine Nurse Practitioner (AMNP) perform duties under the guidance of whom?

• A. Flight Surgeon
• B. Chief Medical Officer
• C. Medical Director
• D. Hospital Administrator

Answer: (A)

In aviation medicine, the flight surgeon is the physician charged with leading aircrew medical readiness and aeromedical risk management. Aeromedical Physician Assistants and Aviation Medicine Nurse Practitioners operate under that physician’s guidance, carrying out clinical tasks within their scope of practice, assisting with examinations, and handling routine aeromedical duties as directed. The flight surgeon makes the key medical decisions, approves waivers or flight-eligibility determinations, and ensures adherence to aeromedical standards during operations. Other roles like a Chief Medical Officer, Medical Director, or Hospital Administrator oversee broader hospital or organizational functions, rather than supervising day-to-day aeromedical activities in flight medicine.