A typical chamber run underway at the Institute of Aviation Medicine. The instructor in the foreground is Warrant Officer Peter Kaak, an aviation physiology training officer and C-130 loadmaster.
THE MOTTO of the Institute of Aviation Medicine (AVMED) is Salus per Scientiam ("Safety through Knowledge"). AVMED supports flying safety via research, training and policy development work. It is one of the smallest units in the Royal Australian Air Force, but its services are extended to the entire Australian Defence Force.
AVMED answers to the Air Training Wing of RAAF Headquarters Training Command and is a lodger unit on RAAF Base Edinburgh. AVMED is currently staffed by a mixture of uniformed (RAAF and Army) and civilian personnel bringing with them diverse skills in aviation medicine, human factors, and life support.
AVMED moved to their new facilities at Edinburgh in 1995 after 35 years service at RAAF Base Point Cook, near Melbourne in Victoria. For its services to the country, AVMED was awarded the Governor-General's Banner in February 1999.
If you are interested in visiting AVMED and seeing what it does, please contact the Institute on (08) 8393 3162.
Main functions
Aviation medicine training for aircrew, aviation-related personnel and health specialist officers
Aviation medicine research, development, testing and evaluation
Human factors in aviation
Central Aircrew Medical Fitness Boards and aircrew applicant medical evaluations
Aviation medicine consultancy services
An aviation medicine library.
Topics recently addressed by AVMED
ADF night vision goggle training and policy development
Revision of aircrew aviation medical training schedules
On-board oxygen generating systems for RAAF aircraft
Development, in collaboration with the Centre for Sleep Research, of aircrew fatigue algorithms for military air operations
Anthropometry for RAAF aircraft and aircrew
Evaluation of new helmets (HGU-56/P) and hearing protection equipment (CEP) for Army rotary wing operations
Oxygen equipment for passengers in ADF aircraft
Smoke protection for Orion personnel
Investigation, in conjunction with the Flying Clothing Steering Committee, of extreme cold weather clothing for ADF aircrew
