The
US Air Force has removed its minimum height requirements for prospective pilots, doing away with a barrier that had disadvantaged women. Previously, aspiring Air Force pilots were required to have a standing height of 5'4" to 6'5" and a sitting height of 34 to 40 inches. Applicants shorter than 5'4" or taller than 6'5" had to submit a waiver.
Though most height waivers were approved, the restrictions eliminated about 44% of the US female population ages 20 to 29, according to the Air Force.
"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," Air Force mobility planner and programmer Lt. Col. Jessica Ruttenber said in news release last week.
