The Air Force announced Thursday that it has removed the minimum height requirement for officer applicants who wish to fly.

According to the service, the change -- which took effect May 13 -- is part of an effort to encourage a more diverse pool of applicants to pursue careers in aviation.

"We're really focused on identifying and eliminating barriers to serve in the Air Force," said Gwendolyn DeFilippi, assistant deputy chief of staff for manpower, personnel and services. DeFilippi, who chairs the Department of the Air Force Barrier Analysis Working Group, explained, "This is a huge win, especially for women and minorities of smaller stature who previously may have assumed they weren't qualified to join our team."

Under the pervious Medical Standards Directory requirement, an individual who wanted to become a pilot had to have a standing height between 5'4" and 6'5" and have a sitting height between 34 and 40 inches.

Under the new policy, initial applicants outside that height range no longer require an accession range.

The previous height screening criteria eliminated about 44 percent of American women between the age of 20 and 29, the Air Force said.

"Studies have shown that women's perceptions about being fully qualified for a job makes them less likely to apply, even though there is a waiver option." said Lt. Col. Jessica Ruttenber, Air Force mobility planner and programmer and team leader on the Women's Initiative Team, who led the height standards adjustment effort. "Modifying the height standard allows the Air Force to accommodate a larger and more diverse rated applicant pool within existing aircraft constraints."

Related Links
Aerospace News at SpaceMart.com

Tweet

Thanks for being here; We need your help. The SpaceDaily news network continues to grow but revenues have never been harder to maintain. With the rise of Ad Blockers, and Facebook - our traditional revenue sources via quality network advertising continues to decline. And unlike so many other news sites, we don't have a paywall - with those annoying usernames and passwords. Our news coverage takes time and effort to publish 365 days a year. If you find our news sites informative and useful then please consider becoming a regular supporter or for now make a one off contribution.
SpaceDaily Contributor $5 Billed Once credit card or paypal		SpaceDaily Monthly Supporter $5 Billed Monthly paypal only

Lockheed Martin Announces Proactive Measures To Mitigate COVID-19 Impacts To F-35 Production
Fort Worth TX (SPX) May 20, 2020
In response to previously reported COVID-19 F-35 supplier delays, Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) is taking proactive measures to mitigate impacts and position the program for the fastest possible recovery by adjusting work schedules, maintaining specialized employee skillsets, and accelerating payments to small and vulnerable suppliers, to continue meeting customer commitments. Lockheed Martin and the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) has agreed to a temporary altern ... read more