USAF anthro limits
Thread Starter
USAF anthro limits
Can anyone from the west side of the pond tell me what the anthrometric limits are for pilots in the US Air Force? The one I am most interested in is the hip-to-knee measurement. Many thanks to anyone who can help.
Cheers.
Ginge
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"Run, run as fast as you can, you can't.... Oh you have. Damn."
Cheers.
Ginge
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Run, run as fast as you can, you can't.... Oh you have. Damn."
Ginge,
The USAF medical folks don't break things down quite that far.
There are two height measurements taken:
Standing Height - must be between 64 - 77 inches for pilots, and
Sitting Height - must be between 34 - 40 inches for pilots
No reference at all to any other height/length/distance measurements.
(Of course, there are other factors which have standards or limitations, such as weight and/or body fat, vision, and medical history.)
If you're wondering about ejection seat compatibility: Under the standard limits shown above, there is normally no conflict with ejection seat requirements. However, if an individual is outside those limits, he/she can request a waiver, and if considered for approval, will be individually assessed on several factors, to include ejection seat compatibility (which would probably, in effect, take into account a hip-to-knee distance). But again, that is an individual assessment, only for those who are outside the posted sitting/standing height limits.
The USAF medical folks don't break things down quite that far.
There are two height measurements taken:
Standing Height - must be between 64 - 77 inches for pilots, and
Sitting Height - must be between 34 - 40 inches for pilots
No reference at all to any other height/length/distance measurements.
(Of course, there are other factors which have standards or limitations, such as weight and/or body fat, vision, and medical history.)
If you're wondering about ejection seat compatibility: Under the standard limits shown above, there is normally no conflict with ejection seat requirements. However, if an individual is outside those limits, he/she can request a waiver, and if considered for approval, will be individually assessed on several factors, to include ejection seat compatibility (which would probably, in effect, take into account a hip-to-knee distance). But again, that is an individual assessment, only for those who are outside the posted sitting/standing height limits.
Last edited by McD; 8th Apr 2003 at 23:40.
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The reason why they make no reference to any other height/length/distance measurements is because they (the USA) make aircraft that are designed to be big enough to sit in – strange concept to British designers. I know, as I have to squeeze myself into a cockpit obviously designed using measurement data from the Victorians.
When I got selected for the jet I fly, before I was allowed to start the training, I had to be strapped in, in full kit and then the seat and I were lifted out using a crane. I’m not that big either.
Sorry, just had to have a winge.
MOG
When I got selected for the jet I fly, before I was allowed to start the training, I had to be strapped in, in full kit and then the seat and I were lifted out using a crane. I’m not that big either.
Sorry, just had to have a winge.
MOG
Thread Starter
No apology necessary Mr Git, I am on your side. In fact, the reason I ask is that I was rejected as a pilot candidate on account of my silly long legs being over the limits by a small amount and nothing else
. I did ask to be winched out as you described, but I learned that this is for people who are near the limits and not over the limits as I am. But no, winge away and if they happen to raise the maximum by 8mm (if they're bored or something) I would be grateful of the news. I'll stop now before the tears start.
Many thanks to you too, McD. Thats exactly what I wanted to hear
.
Cheers.
Ginge
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Run, run, as fast as you can, you can't....Oh you have. Damn"
. I did ask to be winched out as you described, but I learned that this is for people who are near the limits and not over the limits as I am. But no, winge away and if they happen to raise the maximum by 8mm (if they're bored or something) I would be grateful of the news. I'll stop now before the tears start.Many thanks to you too, McD. Thats exactly what I wanted to hear
.Cheers.
Ginge
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Run, run, as fast as you can, you can't....Oh you have. Damn"
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There used to be a Mil STD for this kind of stuff, probably hasn't been updated. I'd check USAF Aeromedical people at one of those big Texas bases.
US Navy used to take a bunch of measurements of people entering undergraduate flight training (on the theory that was the population aviators are drawn from, I guess). Believe if you can fit in a MB Mk 10 you are okay but the hip to knee can be a problem by type because of interference by aircraft structure. Lower end of the size envelope was a problem for women but that was fixed about 10 years ago and the limiting factor for them became cg.
US Navy used to take a bunch of measurements of people entering undergraduate flight training (on the theory that was the population aviators are drawn from, I guess). Believe if you can fit in a MB Mk 10 you are okay but the hip to knee can be a problem by type because of interference by aircraft structure. Lower end of the size envelope was a problem for women but that was fixed about 10 years ago and the limiting factor for them became cg.
