AF Form 1042: Medical Recommendation for Flying Duty 2026 – If you’re a US Air Force pilot, aircrew member, special operations duty (SOD) personnel, or flight medicine provider searching for AF Form 1042, you’ve come to the right place. This article explains everything about the legacy AF Form 1042 (Medical Recommendation for Flying or Special Operational Duty), its purpose in USAF aeromedical operations, how it was used, and—most importantly—the current standard form that replaced it.
Direct download for the legacy AF Form 1042 PDF (still hosted on official Air Force e-Publishing):
https://static.e-publishing.af.mil/production/1/af_sg/form/af1042/af1042.pdf
Pro tip for USAF members: While the AF Form 1042 PDF remains available for reference, it is obsolete. The Department of Defense standardized the process with DD Form 2992 in 2015, and this remains the current, required form across the Air Force, Army, Navy, and Coast Guard.
What Was AF Form 1042?
AF Form 1042 was the official US Air Force form titled “Medical Recommendation for Flying or Special Operational Duty.” Flight surgeons (or authorized aeromedical providers) used it to document an aircrew member’s medical fitness (or restrictions) for flying duties, special operations duty, or related aviation activities.
It served as the primary communication tool between flight medicine clinics and unit commanders, Host Aviation Resource Management (HARM) offices, and aircrew members. The form captured:
- Medical clearance (“UP” status)
- Temporary or permanent disqualification (“DOWN” / DNIF – Duty Not Including Flying)
- Any limitations or remarks
This ensured compliance with strict aeromedical standards under DAFMAN 48-123 (Medical Examinations and Standards) and related instructions like AFI 11-202V3 (General Flight Rules).
Why Was AF Form 1042 Important for USAF Aviation?
US Air Force flying and special operational duty demand the highest level of medical fitness due to the extreme physical and cognitive demands of high-performance aircraft, combat missions, and special warfare operations. The form:
- Informed commanders of aeromedical dispositions in real time
- Populated flight records management systems
- Supported safety, mission readiness, and waiver processes
- Was required for initial qualification exams, annual flight physicals, post-illness/injury returns, and orientation flights
Non-compliance or missing documentation could ground aircrew, delay deployments, or affect aeronautical ratings.
Key Sections of the (Legacy) AF Form 1042
Although the exact layout varied slightly by revision, the form typically included:
- Member’s name, grade, organization, and identification
- Type of duty (flying class, SOD category)
- Flight surgeon’s recommendation (qualified, disqualified, DNIF with dates)
- Remarks section for conditions, limitations, or waiver notes
- Signatures from the provider, member, and (in some cases) commander
Important: The form never included protected health information (PHI) in open remarks—only aeromedical dispositions.
Important Update: AF Form 1042 Has Been Replaced by DD Form 2992
As of 2015, the Department of Defense replaced the service-specific forms (AF Form 1042, DA Form 4186, and NAVMED 6410 series) with the joint DD Form 2992 – Medical Recommendation for Flying or Special Operational Duty.
DD Form 2992 is the current standard used by all US military services. It is referenced throughout DAFMAN 48-123 (updated as recently as 2020 and still in effect) and provides a standardized format for:
- “UP” clearances (temporary disqualification, waiver recommended, etc.)
- “DOWN” actions (illness/injury grounding, simulator-only duties, permanent disqualification)
- Effective and expiration dates
- Flight surgeon countersignature requirements
- Member certification
Official current download:
DD Form 2992 (JAN 2015) – esd.whs.mil
Air Force flight medicine clinics now exclusively use DD Form 2992 for all aeromedical recommendations.
Who Needs This Form in the US Air Force?
- Rated officers and enlisted aircrew (pilots, navigators, flight engineers, etc.)
- Special Warfare Airmen / Special Operations Duty personnel
- Remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) operators and ground-based operators
- Personnel returning from illness, injury, pregnancy, or deployment
- Participants in orientation or incentive flights (when required by local guidance)
- Anyone requiring a flying or SOD qualification exam
How the Aeromedical Clearance Process Works Today (2026)?
- Aircrew member undergoes flight physical or clinical evaluation.
- Flight surgeon (FS), aeromedical physician assistant (APA), or authorized provider completes DD Form 2992.
- Member signs the certification block.
- Form is routed to the commander (for awareness) and HARM office.
- Copy is filed in the medical record and updated in flight records systems.
- Related forms often used together: AF Form 469 (Duty Limiting Condition Report) and AF Form 422 (Notification of Air Force Member’s Qualification Status).
Always consult your local flight medicine clinic for the latest guidance—policies can have MAJCOM or installation supplements.
Frequently Asked Questions About AF Form 1042 / DD Form 2992
Q: Is AF Form 1042 still valid in 2026?
A: No. It was officially replaced by DD Form 2992. Use the legacy PDF only for historical reference.
Q: Where do I get my current flying clearance?
A: Schedule with your base flight medicine clinic. They will issue DD Form 2992.
Q: What if I’m DNIF (Duty Not Including Flying)?
A: The form will clearly state the grounding period and any allowed simulator or ground duties.
Q: Do I need this form for every flight physical?
A: Yes—flight surgeons use it to document the aeromedical disposition after each relevant exam.
Q: Can non-flight surgeons sign the form?
A: Certain credentialed providers can initiate it, but a flight surgeon must countersign for Air Force and Navy personnel (with limited exceptions).
Related Resources for USAF Aircrew
- DAFMAN 48-123 – Medical Examinations and Standards (official Air Force guidance)
- AFI 11-202 Volume 3 – General Flight Rules
- AF Form 469 & AF Form 422 – Companion forms for duty limitations and profiles
- Air Force e-Publishing (e-publishing.af.mil) – All official forms and publications
Final Advice for US Air Force Personnel
Accurate and timely medical recommendations are critical for flight safety and mission success. If you need an AF Form 1042 copy for records or reference, download it directly from the official link above. For any current flying or special operational duty clearance, contact your servicing flight medicine clinic immediately—they will use DD Form 2992.
Stay mission-ready and always fly safe. Questions about your specific situation? Reach out to your local flight surgeon or HARM office.
This guide is for informational purposes only and is based on official Department of the Air Force and DoD publications. Always follow the most current guidance from your chain of command and aeromedical authority.