Previously, prospective Air Force pilots were required to have a standing height of 5’4 “to 6’5” and a seat height of 34 to 40 inches. Applicants who are shorter than 5’4 “or higher than 6’5” must apply for waiver.
Although most of the high waivers are approved, the restrictions eliminate about 44% of the US female population aged 20 to 29 years,
according to the Air Force.
“Studies have shown that women’s perceptions about being fully qualified for a job make them less likely to apply, despite the neglect of choice,” Air Force mobility planner and programmer Lieutenant Colonel Jessica Ruttenber said in a news release last week.
Historically, most Air Force aircraft have been engineered around ordinary human heights, said Ruttenber, who led efforts to change altitude standards. This new policy will allow the Air Force to “accommodate a group of applicants who are considered larger and more diverse in the existing aircraft constraints,” he said.
The average height for US women aged 20 and older is 63.8 inches in all ethnic groups, according to the Department of Health and Human Services. Meanwhile, the average height for US men 20 and older is 69.3 inches.
The new policy removes the altitude barrier “while maintaining flight security,” the Air Force said.
Instead of altitude standards, the medical and operating teams will now implement an anthropometric screening process for applicants to place them on aircraft that they can fly safely, the Air Force said. That process can be a factor in a number of different measurements of the human body, including body weight, leg length, area and body mass index.
“We are really focused on identifying and removing barriers to serving in the Air Force,” said Gwendolyn DeFilippi, assistant deputy chief of staff for labor, personnel and services.
“This is a big win, especially for women and smaller minorities who previously might not consider them eligible to join our team.”
