The US Air Force still needs more pilots, despite the effects of the COVID-19 virus on the rest of the aviation industry. Last week, the Air Force removed one more barrier to recruiting the pilots it so badly needs by eliminating the height requirement for applicants. Under the previous Medical Standards Directory requirement, a pilot applicant was required to stand between 5’4″ and 6’5″ with a sitting height between 34 and 40 inches. While the service said its goal in dropping the height requirement was to attract a more diverse group of candidates, it admitted in a news release, “The previous height screening criteria eliminated about 44 percent of American women between the age of 20 and 29.”
Air Force Drops Pilot Height Requirement
Key Takeaways:
- The US Air Force eliminated its long-standing height requirement for pilot applicants to address a pilot shortage and attract a more diverse pool of candidates.
- The previous height restriction (5'4" to 6'5" standing) disproportionately excluded women, with 44% of American women aged 20-29 being deemed ineligible.
- Instead of a blanket height rule, the Air Force will now use an "anthropometric screening process" that takes specific body measurements to determine which aircraft an applicant can safely fly.
Key takeaways sponsored by Aviator Pro | Start Your Training ->
See a mistake? Contact us.
