COLUMBUS AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- Three flight surgeons at Columbus AFB recently obtained their Aviation Medical Examiner Certifications to administer required flight physicals for students starting Initial Pilot training (IPT) at select civilian aviation programs.
As the U.S. Air Force transforms pilot training under the Future of Undergraduate Pilot Training (FUPT) initiative, the 14th Medical Group is answering the call, ensuring medical readiness remains a foundation of the Air Force’s most critical mission.
“Medical readiness is to the human weapon system as maintenance is to aircraft,” said Lt. Col. Michael Coghlan, 14th Operational Medical Readiness Squadron flight surgeon. “We’re not just checking boxes; we’re sustaining the health and performance of future aviators from day one.”
The medical team began providing Federal Aviation Administration medical exams in June and will provide the lessons learned to other pilot training bases transitioning to the FUPT model.
As part of this transformation, Air Education and Training Command is partnering with select civilian aviation programs for IPT where student pilots will earn their FAA private pilot certificates, instrument ratings, and multi-engine ratings before transitioning to military-specific training in the T-6 Texan II.
“We’ve seen incredible resilience from our team,” said Coghlan. “Whether its handling rapid class turnover or incorporating these new FAA medical exams, they’ve met every challenge head-on.”
As pilot training has evolved into a more dynamic, technology-driven environment, so too has the medical group’s approach to care and flight certification. The U.S. Air Force remains focused on increasing pilot production to produce 1,500 active duty, Reserve, Guard and international pilots annually starting in FY 2026.
Capt. Hailey Faist, 14th OMRS Flight Surgeon and Medical Director of Operational Medicine, emphasized the importance of timely and accurate flight certification for student pilots. A key tool in that effort is the AF Form 2992, which determines a pilot’s medical qualification to fly.
“Maintaining flight status is essential,” said Faist. “Our team ensures these forms are processed quickly, while also being thorough. We’ve introduced small but effective changes that have made a big impact, like digitizing parts of the workflow and refining how we track student progression through their medical clearances.”
Faist also highlighted cross-functional collaboration and innovation as major drivers of success, crediting her team with being proactive in identifying solutions before issues arise.
Tech. Sgt. Brandy Gordon, Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge of the Base Operational Medicine Clinic, has led efforts to streamline the IPT flight physical process -- a foundational step in certifying new aviators.
“Improving this process allowed us to set clearer expectations with both our med techs and the 14FTW Student Squadron transition office,” said Gordon. “We’ve seen stronger alignment and fewer delays because everyone is now operating from the same playbook.”
Gordon also praised standout performers in the clinic who have driven innovation and process improvement, crediting their initiative with reducing bottlenecks and increasing mission effectiveness.
As the demands of pilot training grow, the 14th Medical Group continues to lead with agility, precision, and a people-first mindset, carrying out AETC’s commitment to readiness and taking care of Airmen and their families.
“We’re evolving with the mission,” said Coghlan. “No matter how fast the tempo gets, our focus remains on keeping our future pilots fit to fly and ready to lead.”