RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER:  BC-2003-03204
		INDEX CODE:  115.00
		COUNSEL:  NONE

		HEARING DESIRED:  YES

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

He be reinstated into the Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training (SUPT) program.

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APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

Upon arrival for pilot training at Laughlin AFB, TX he was displaced for 11 weeks instead of the expected 30 days waiting for available housing accommodations.  During this time he had to move three times and he found this experience to be very exhaustive and far from ideal for his studies.  Compounded with the fast paced tempo of UPT, his ability to succeed was hindered by these influences.  

During his initial training he encountered repeated episodes of motion sickness, which delayed his progress in UPT.  Corrective action consisted of daily visits to the "spin chair" program for evaluation.  He inquired about the possible use of over-the-counter medications since other active duty bases offered medication to help facilitate reentry into flying status but was notified that it was the base medical group's decision not to administer over-the-counter airsickness medication.  Upon completion of the "spin chair" program he was cleared to fly but it was later determined that there was not enough flexibility in the training schedule to allow for his continuation in the flight program.  He has found that treatment procedures for motion sickness differ from base to base.  He could have speeded up his recovery if offered medication as other bases do.  

He has subsequently completed 50 plus aerobatic hours in the Robin Sport without one motion sickness episode.  His completion of both the Aerobatic Course and Emergency Confidence Course should further demonstrate his resolve.  He has completed his Instrument rating and is currently pursuing both his Commercial and Multi-Engine ratings.

In support of his request, applicant provided a personal statement, documentation associated with his elimination from SUPT, documentation associated with his housing at Laughlin AFB, flight training certificates, a statement of support, and documentation extracted from his flying records.  His complete submission, with attachments, is at Exhibit A.

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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

Applicant was appointed a second lieutenant, Reserve of the Air Force on 17 Jul 00 and was voluntarily ordered to extended active duty on that same date.  He has been progressively promoted to the grade of first lieutenant having assumed that grade effective and with a date of rank of 18 Jun 02.  Applicant entered SUPT with Class 0208 on 10 Apr 01.  He was eliminated after receiving 14.7 hours of instruction, for Lack of Adaptability (repeated airsickness).

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AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

AETC/DOF recommends denial.  DOF states that on-base facilities for unaccompanied officers at Laughlin AFB has been an issue in recent years.  It would be expected that students initially occupying off-base housing would need to move one time if they accept an offer for on-base quarters at some later date.  However, his three moves are not explained in terms of frequency or cause.  This is the first time a student has suggested "inadequate housing" as causal in training elimination.  

Airsickness is not uncommon in the early stages of training.  AETC has an established Airsickness Management Program (AMP).  The Aeromedical Branch Chief states "the use of the over-the-counter medications Dextroamphetamine and Scopalamine (Dex-Scope) was not authorized during the entire fiscal year the applicant attended SUPT."  Dex-Scope was not used for a time due to lack of evidence supporting improved treatment success.  During FY02 Laughlin had 23 students enrolled in AMP of which 3 were disenrolled for lack of adaptability for a success rate of 87%.  In FY01 and FY03 the success rates were 92%.  The FY04 classes to date, with Dex-scope use allowed, the success rate is 88%.  

Civilian flight training programs are self-paced, without proscribed timetables for completion.  Perseverance in civilian programs is often based on an individual's ability to pay for additional training.  SUPT is a condensed, year-long experience, demanding students learn at an accelerated pace.  While civilian experience may serve as a building block to flying military aircraft, there is little correlation between civil flight training programs when compared to flying skills taught, training intensity, and discipline.  Individuals who may succeed in one environment have no guarantee of success in the other.  The DOF evaluation is at Exhibit B.

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APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

Applicant states prior to his arrival he was notified of a possible two to three week delay at most for available housing.  He was sharing a cramped visiting officer's quarters room with a college friend who was in another class and at a different phase in training.  By the eighth week his friend moved and he moved in with another friend who occupied a single officer's quarters room until his move-in date arrived.  This situation was not the most suitable or expected training atmosphere one would expect while in SUPT and he feels it created a difficult situation to adjust to.  Applicant contends that the use of Dex-Scope may have offered a substantial benefit for him during the initial onset of airsickness and possibly aided in a faster recovery.  With respect to his civilian experience, applicant states his financial leverage is no greater than that of his fellow officers.  He took advantage of a low interest loan at great personal expense to demonstrate his resolve to overcome adaptability issues.  His objective was to refine his skills as an aviator and improve his airmanship while preparing for the unexpected at UPT.  His intent with his completion of the Emergency Maneuvers Confidence course, Aerobatics course, and his IFR rating was to assure the board that his dedication, adaptation, and qualification for his career field has ceased to change.  His IFR rating that he has received serves more than mere "building blocks."  He strongly believes his advanced ratings and aerobatic experience goes a long way in succeeding at SUPT.  His complete submission is at Exhibit D.

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THE BOARD CONCLUDES THAT:

1.  The applicant has exhausted all remedies provided by existing law or regulations.

2.  The application was timely filed.

3.  Sufficient relevant evidence has been presented to demonstrate the existence of an injustice that would warrant some relief.  We note that flying training is an extremely challenging and stressful environment that requires the student's ability to concentrate and focus completely on his efforts.  In addition, we note that airsickness is not uncommon, particularly in the earlier stages of flight training.  The applicant contends he believes the use of Dex-Scope during the onset of his airsickness, may have substantially aided in his ability to recover.  We note that the Air Force has opined that success rates of pilot trainees using Dex-Scope in subsequent years have shown no significant improvement in treatment success.  Nonetheless, it is our opinion that the applicant has established a reasonable doubt as to whether or not the use of the over-the-counter medication would have aided in his ability to recover.  Further, it is our opinion that any reasonable doubt in this matter should be resolved in his favor.  We considered granting the applicant's request for reinstatement directly into SUPT training; however, we believe that because of the period of time since his expulsion and the rigorous nature of military flight training programs, it would be in the best interest of the Air Force and the applicant to allow him to reapply for pilot training in order to ensure he meets the demanding qualifications.  Accordingly, we recommend that his records be corrected as indicated below. 

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THE BOARD RECOMMENDS THAT:

The pertinent military records of the Department of the Air Force relating to APPLICANT be corrected to show that his AETC Form 126A, Record of Commander's Review Action, Section III, reflects "BE CONSIDERED FOR REINSTATEMENT IN THIS COURSE AT A LATER DATE."

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The following members of the Board considered AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2003-03204 in Executive Session on 4 Feb 04, under the provisions of AFI 36‑2603:

All members voted to correct the records, as recommended.  The following documentary evidence was considered:

    Exhibit A.  DD Form 149, dated 22 Sep 03, w/atchs.
    Exhibit B.  Letter, AETC/DOF, dated 9 Dec 03, w/atchs.
    Exhibit C.  Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 19 Dec 03.
    Exhibit D.  Letter, Applicant, dated 17 Jan 04.

					

AFBCMR BC-2003-03204

MEMORANDUM FOR THE CHIEF OF STAFF

	Having received and considered the recommendation of the Air Force Board for Correction of Military Records and under the authority of Section 1552, Title 10, United States Code (70A Stat 116), it is directed that:

	The pertinent military records of the Department of the Air Force relating to APPLICANT, be corrected to show that his AETC Form 126A, Record of Commander's Review Action, Section III, reflects "BE CONSIDERED FOR REINSTATEMENT IN THIS COURSE AT A LATER DATE."