U.S. Army Female Aviator Anthropometric, Clothing, and Cockpit Compatibility Study: Demography and Anthropometry of the Study Cohort.

Abstract : Historically, aircraft design standards have been developed utilizing the 5th to the 95th percentile male. The current U.S. Army aviator population includes many females, who are compelled to operate aircraft that may be ill-fitting and consequently potentially unsafe. This comprehensive research program examined the female-machine match across a variety of Army aircraft and clothing ensembles. This cohort of female aviators is the largest of its kind using actual female pilots instead of general military females. The demographic characteristics of the 78 volunteers who participated in this study are comparable to other data on the female pilot population as a whole, making the group an excellent sample for studies of cockpit compatibility. The present report addresses the demography and anthropometry of the study cohort. Other reports in the series will address the various clothing and aircraft variables.