Average Height and weight for pilot

Hi,
Does anyone know the average size (weight and height) of pilots in the RAF and RN? I know the measurments required (e.g buttock to knee lengths..etc.) but I m looking for more general figues.

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Reply 1

BlackHawk

If you know the measurements then that is all you need to know. There is no average size for a pilot. Unless your a MO, you're not going to get general figures about aircrew.

Reply 2

JayD

As a prospective MO, this is the kind of nerdy thing that interests me. I normally look at US stats, cos they carry out way more research and publish a lot more of it. However having a scoot around all I could find was standing height 64-77 inches and sitting height 34-40 inches. I know this is US but its bound to be similar. There were no published weight figures however basing it upon the fact that the forces impose BMI requirements I calculated the weight range as 108 lbs - 210 lbs. Sorry this isn't very specific. If i find anything else I'll let you know.

Reply 3

djmm

What you have actually stated is the scale Pilot applicants must fit in. Pilots will all file in between those sizes. It is the 'average' plus/ minus a little either end - thats the best way to think of it.

Mark

Reply 4

Jesterful

108lb to 210lb?? Minimum weight for a pilot over here is 56.5 kg (about 127lb)

Reply 5

djmm

56.5 kg? Thats light. I'm only 170 cm, and 68 kg; 56.5 seems a little 'too' light.

Reply 6

Lady Venom

It depends on your build. I'm 170 and 60kgs!
And the minimum had gone up...its around 58kg

Reply 7

djmm

Hehe, you're small too :P

60 kg? Must be 'cause you're a girl - I can't imagine a boy being 170 and 60.

Mark

Reply 8

JayD

Yup. The lower weight however was for the lowest height to produce the lowest possible acceptable BMI, which was like 5'4" or summit so it werent that light.

Reply 9

KSpin

I'm a heavy beggar. I'm 175 and 80 kgs.

Reply 10

mole

call that heavy! Im 174 and 84kgs.

Reply 11

GR29KHS

JayD

Yup. The lower weight however was for the lowest height to produce the lowest possible acceptable BMI, which was like 5'4" or summit so it werent that light.

I'm 5'4" and I produce the lowest acceptable BMI and I was quite a bit under the weight requirement for pilot.

EDIT: Come to think of it though - I don't fall into the underweight category on the chart, I'm on the 'line' so I figured I was the 'lowest acceptable bmi'... maybe I'm not.

Does the 'lowest acceptable bmi' in RAF terms fall into the underweight category? This might be helpful for people to know who are applying - also how does it work at the other end of the scale?

Reply 12

KSpin

mole

call that heavy! Im 174 and 84kgs.

We can be heavy beggars together! :biggrin:

Reply 13

mole

yes we can! the stockier the better aparently for G tolerance.

Reply 14

Lady Venom

There are lots of factors that affect G tolerance, but everyone is affected differently, and you can't assume because you are stocky you will be ok. Depends on how tall you are too!

Reply 15

BlackHawk

I'm 76kg in full flying kit and parachute. I'm 5'10. Never weighed myself otherwise!

Maybe a bit heavy for a girl, but I don't care as I passed the requirements for Pilot :wink:

Reply 16

BlackHawk

InaSpin

There are lots of factors that affect G tolerance, but everyone is affected differently, and you can't assume because you are stocky you will be ok. Depends on how tall you are too!

And your body mass is one of those factors. Being stocky does in fact help with G tolerance. Of course it varies from person to person.

Reply 17

Lady Venom

Oh yes indeed, I agree - however, if you are too fat :P

Centre of gravity in the human body also plays a vital part

Reply 18

BlackHawk

For instance, I cannot handle G whatsoever. I'm tall and thin, probably have a crap centre of gravity, and am generally a whoosy. :p:

Reply 19

JayD

Also has a bit to do with muscle mass as i believe. As muscles are used in vassoconstriction to reduce the amount of blood rushing to the feet or the head (i cant remember) and pasing out. Thump.