I was reading some info on the AST Rating and it said you cant have any chronic orthopedic problems. I dislocated my knee about 8 years ago playing soccer and have a partial tear in my ACL. I was wondering if that would mean I'd be diqualified? It's not the only rating I'm interested in but I'm a swimmer thru and thru. Been competeing since I was 5 and would say I'm a very good swimmer, I feel like this would put my skills to the best use. I've also been a lifeguard for 6 years and have some advanced training beyond just cpr and first aid

As an AST I do not think anyone but a flight surgeon can answer the questions about your ACL tear. I had a tibial plateau fracture with a miniscus tear, however I was already a swimmer. If you are in the Coast Guard now, you will have to have a flight physical and they will tell you if you need a waiver or whatever. Hope that helps.