Performance-Based Occupational Strength Testing for Candidate Navy Pilots/Naval Flight Officers.

Abstract : The Secretary of Defense has directed the military services to allow women to fly aircraft engaged in combat missions. The current inventory of naval aircraft was physically designed to accommodate a majority of the male population. Anthropometric standards from 1964 are regularly used for selection, but muscular strength standards for aviation do not exist. This work was done to aid the Navy in safely opening the anthropometric accommodation range for aviation by determining gender-neutral strength requirements for all applicants. The objectives of this study were to: (1) identify strength-critical tasks in naval aircraft, (2) develop data bases on current strength and anthropometric measurements of male and female aviation candidates, (3) develop gender-neutral strength standards to construct an aviation strength screening device, and (4) develop a physical strength enhancement program to assist individuals to meet or exceed the strength standards. Significant differences between male and female aviation candidates in upper or lower body strength and body measurements were found. Upon completion of this work, the strength screening device and aviation physical training program will be delivered to the Commanding Officer, Naval Aviation Schools Command.