Foundations of Aerospace Health (FASH) Course

Overview

This online professional education course provides an in depth introduction to the environmental physiology of flight, including spaceflight, and the way that it can impact on the health, fitness and performance of flight crews, astronauts and the safety of passengers.  The course has been designed for anyone in the aviation and space sector with an interest in the human element of flight and the health of aircrew, astronauts, and space travellers. 

 

This course is currently under development with the first course expected to be run in early 2026

Key facts

  • Online
  • TBA
  • Certificate + Gain CPD points

Course details

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, participants will have the skills and knowledge to:

  1. Apply knowledge of aerospace systems and workplaces in evaluating the health and safety of aviation workers and astronauts.
  2. Critically evaluate the impact of the aviation and space environments on human physiology and health.
  3. Demonstrate an understanding of how human health may affect fitness for aviation and space operations and operational safety.
  4. Describe the interaction between physiology, crew behaviours and optimal performance in aerospace operations.
  5. Predict ways in which international aviation and space activities might affect public health.

Note: It is anticipated that this course will partially satisfy the academic requirements for the qualification as a Designated Aviation Medical Examiner (DAME). It will be a pre-requisite to attend a short face to face course (DAME Qualification Course - also under development). Completion of this second component will entitle medical practitioner participants to apply for Designated Aviation Medical Examiner status with CASA.

Who should enrol

This course is open to health practitioners including medical doctors, individuals who work in the area of life sciences, and those who are involved in the aviation or space industry:

Pre-requisites:

  1. Under-graduate or post-graduate degree in healthcare or life sciences; OR
  2. At least 3 years' work experience in healthcare, the aviation or space industry or relevant discipline.

Delivery

This comprehensive seven-week online course explores the critical aspects of aerospace health and human performance. Each week features expert-led asynchronous lectures and interactive live tutorials covering key topics such as the operational environment, mental health, respiratory and cardiovascular health, the endocrine and nervous systems, otolaryngology, and public health in aviation. Designed for professionals seeking a deeper understanding of the physiological and psychological challenges of flight, this course provides essential knowledge to enhance safety and performance in aerospace environments.

Self-directed learning by reading the prescribed textbook will be expected. In addition, materials and resources (including case studies, video content and journal articles) will be provided as an online resource to participants, inclusive of the course tuition.

Total time commitment approx. 70 hours. 

2025 Dates

It is anticipated that the first course will run in the first half of 2026 - dates TBA. 

Fees and inclusions

Fees

TBA

Inclusions

  • Online course materials and resources
  • ANU Certificate of Participation.
  • Access to Aerospace Medicine specialists from the Australian National University, the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, and other eminent individuals in the field.
  • Administrative and teaching support.

Cancellation

The Australian National University and CASA reserve the right to cancel or modify the course details, dates, and venues. Registrations exceeding capacity or insufficient enrolments may result in cancellation, with participants notified promptly.

Refunds

Participants may be eligible for refunds under certain conditions:

  • If ANU cancels the course.
  • If a visa application is refused (proof required).
  • If cancellation occurs six weeks before the start date.

No refunds for withdrawals within six weeks of the start date. Registration can be transferred to a substitute participant of to a later course.

Partner

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Casa

Professor Gordon Cable AM, Space Medicine, Course Convenor, ANU School of Medicine and Psychology

'For too long, Australia has lacked a comprehensive, accessible course in health and human factors underpinning human performance in aviation and spaceflight — one designed not just for health professionals, but for anyone across the aerospace sector seeking a deeper understanding of this critical and fascinating field. The Foundations of Aerospace Health course fills that gap. It offers a dynamic introduction to the environmental physiology of flight and space travel, exploring how these extreme environments impact the health, fitness, and performance of flight crews and astronauts — and ultimately, the safety of all who travel.'

Key people

Professor Gordon Cable AM

Professor Gordon Cable AM, Professor in Space Medicine, Course Convenor, ANU School of Medicine and Psychology

Professor Gordon Cable AM

Professor Cable is a Professor of Space Medicine at ANU, Fellow of the Australasian College of Aerospace Medicine, co-founder of Human Aerospace, longtime RAAF Institute of Aviation Medicine staff, was Space Medicine & Life Sciences Lead (2020–21) at the Australian Space Agency, and holds multiple aerospace Fellowships.

Professor Tracy Smart AO

Professor Tracy Smart AO, Professor, Military and Aerospace Medicine, ANU School of Medicine and Psychology

Professor Tracy Smart AO

Professor Smart is Professor of Military & Aerospace Medicine at ANU, focusing on health security, military service impacts, leadership, and as a Space Medicine Mission Specialist. A physician and retired RAAF senior officer, she served 35 years, including RAF/USAF exchanges, overseas deployments, and as ADF Surgeon General.

Dr Kate Manderson

Dr Kate Manderson, Principal Medical Officer, Civil Aviation Safety Authority

Dr Kate Manderson

Dr Manderson is Principal Medical Officer for Australia’s Civil Aviation Safety Authority. She specialized in aerospace medicine through the ADF (Royal Australian Navy) before joining the civil sector. She’s a Fellow of RAeS, AsMA, ACAsM, and RACGP, with broad experience in medical education, leadership, and governance, focusing on rural healthcare.

 

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