Flying Branch Standard: A1G1
AFCAT Flying Branch includes pilots and aircrew roles listed in the AFCAT source. The medical category is A1G1, the strictest standard in this AFCAT set. A candidate can be strong academically and clear AFSB, but still fail flying medical due to cockpit fit, vision, ENT, spine or neurological risk.
Height and Cockpit Anthropometry
| Branch / entry | Male | Female |
|---|---|---|
| Flying Branch - pilots / FTE / WSO Su-30 MKI | 162.5 cm | 162.5 cm |
| Flying Branch - other aircrew | 157 cm | 157 cm |
| Ground Duty branches | 157.5 cm | 152 cm |
| Ground Duty relaxation: North-East / Uttarakhand hills / Gorkhas | 152.5 cm | 147 cm |
| Ground Duty relaxation: Lakshadweep | 155.5 cm | 150 cm |
| Flying anthropometry | Minimum | Maximum |
|---|---|---|
| Sitting height | 81.5 cm | 96.0 cm |
| Leg length | 99.0 cm | 120.0 cm |
| Thigh length | Not specified | 64.0 cm |
Sitting height, leg length and thigh length are not cosmetic measurements. They decide whether a candidate can safely fit aircraft controls and ejection-seat geometry.
Flying Branch Eyesight
| Branch / medical category | Refractive limit | Visual acuity | Colour perception |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flying Branch A1G1 | Hypermetropia +1.5 D Sph; manifest myopia NIL; retinoscopic myopia NIL; astigmatism +0.75 D Cyl within +1.5 D max | 6/6 in one eye and 6/9 in the other, correctable to 6/6 only for hypermetropia | CP-I |
| Admin / Weapon Systems ground A4G1 | +3.5 D hypermetropia; -3.50 D myopia; +/-2.50 D Cyl | Correctable to 6/6 each eye; glasses compulsory when VA below 6/6 | CP-II |
| AE(M) / AE(L) A4G1 | Same as A4G1 limits | Corrected VA 6/9 each eye | CP-II |
| Meteorology A4G1 | Same as A4G1 limits | 6/6 better eye, 6/18 worse eye | CP-II |
| Accounts / Logistics / Education A4G1 | Same as A4G1 limits | 6/6 better eye, 6/18 worse eye | CP-III |
- Manifest myopia: NIL.
- Retinoscopic myopia: NIL.
- Hypermetropia: up to +1.5 D Sph.
- Astigmatism: +0.75 D Cyl within the +1.5 D maximum.
- Visual acuity: 6/6 in one eye and 6/9 in the other, correctable to 6/6 only for hypermetropia.
- Colour perception: CP-I.
Spine, ENT and EEG Checks for Aircrew
Flying duties add aviation-specific risk checks. The source lists cervical spine and dorsal spine X-rays for flying duties, with EEG if there is family epilepsy, past head injury, psychological/neurological abnormality or if the examiner considers it necessary.
- Motion sickness susceptibility is specifically enquired into and affects flying duties.
- Eustachian tube obstruction or insufficiency can cause rejection.
- Persistent tinnitus, vestibular dysfunction and problematic ear disease are serious issues for aircrew.
- Spinal anomalies, vertebral compression, spondylolysis, disc prolapse and many degenerative or traumatic spine conditions are unfit.
LASIK for Flying Branch
Refractive surgery is permitted only if the Air Force conditions are satisfied. Flying candidates must be especially careful because the residual standard for Pilot / Observer duties is NIL.
- Pre-operative refractive error must be within +/-6.0 D.
- Surgery must not have been done before age 20 years.
- At least 12 months must have passed after uncomplicated surgery.
- Residual refraction must be within +/-1.0 D Sph or Cyl where correction is allowed; for Pilot / Observer duties the residual standard is NIL.
- Axial length by IOL Master must be 26 mm or less.
- Central corneal thickness must be at least 450 microns.
- Retina must be normal and healthy.
Medical board decisions are made by Armed Forces medical specialists. This page is a structured preparation guide, not a substitute for an official medical board opinion.
FAQs
Can I become an Air Force pilot through AFCAT with minus power?
No. AFCAT Flying Branch requires NIL manifest and retinoscopic myopia.
Is 162 cm enough for AFCAT Flying Branch?
For pilot / FTE / WSO Su-30 standard, no. The minimum standing height is 162.5 cm.
Is CP-II accepted for AFCAT Flying Branch?
No. Flying Branch requires CP-I colour perception.
Does Flying Branch require extra spine checks?
Yes. Flying duties include cervical and dorsal spine X-rays, in addition to other mandatory checks.
Is PABT the same as medical?
No. PABT is an aptitude test. Medical eligibility is separate and must still meet A1G1 standards.