Flying Evaluation Board

The purpose of a flying evaluation board is to evaluate a pilot’s potential for continued aviation services.  In most cases, a flying evaluation board will be directed when an officer demonstrates behavior that could be construed as substandard or unsafe.  In those instances, the ability to pilot Army aircraft is subject to complete review.

Examples of substandard or unsafe behavior include:

• flagrant violations of flying regulations;
• failure to comply with urinalysis testing;
• positive urinalysis result;
• insufficient motivation;
• unsatisfactory duty performance; OR
• some aircraft accident.

Under normal circumstances, a flying evaluation board should not disqualify an individual from aviation service “based on an isolated incident or action.”  See Army Regulation 600-105.  Instead, the government should be required to show a pattern of dangerous or unacceptable behavior.

If you are facing a flying evaluation board, the key is to consult with an experienced civilian attorney early in the process.  Your civilian attorney should review all of your flight records, and clarify any matters involving your flying proficiency, aeronautical ratings, currency requirements, or medical fitness to fly.  Your attorney should also interview all relevant witnesses, and prepare a case that seeks to get you restored to aviation services.

Board Process

A flying evaluation board is typically appointed by the Brigade commander.  The board must consist of an uneven number of voting members.  However, under no circumstances may there be less than three members.  The members of the board must aviation rated commissioned or warrant officers.  If you are a warrant officer, than at least one member must be a warrant officer who is senior in grade to you.  If the board involves a medical issue, then the board may include a non-voting member who is a flight surgeon.

The board should follow Army Regulation 15-6 procedures.  Typically, the board will consider exhibits, physical evidence, the testimony of witnesses, and arguments of counsel in reaching its decision.  After deliberations, the board will issue its findings and recommendations.  There is no restriction regarding the content of the board’s findings, however, the recommendations of the board are generally limited to one of the following:

1. Officers with proper training and skills be awarded an aeronautical rating.
2. Orders suspending the respondent from flying be rescinded and the respondent be restored to aviation service.
3. Orders disqualifying the respondent be rescinded and the respondent be requalified for aviation service.
4. The respondent be disqualified from aviation service.
5. The respondent be permanently disqualified from aviation service.
6. The respondent be permanently disqualified from aviation service, and no longer authorized to wear the Army Aviation Badge.

In cases where aviation operations or the flying ability of the respondent can be improved, the board may also make other specific recommendations for consideration of the appointing and approving authority.

The appointing authority may take final action on the board’s recommendations when the board recommends restoring the respondent to aviation service.  If the board results are adverse to the respondent, they must be forwarded through the chain of command to the next higher reviewing authority for final action.