title: Anthropometry of Brazilian Air Force pilots.
abstract: Anthropometric data are essential for the design of military equipment including sizing of aircraft cockpits and personal gear. Currently, there are no anthropometric databases specific to Brazilian military personnel. The aim of this study was to create a Brazilian anthropometric database of Air Force pilots. The methods, protocols, descriptions, definitions, landmarks, tools and measurements procedures followed the instructions outlined in Measurer's Handbook: US Army and Marine Corps Anthropometric Surveys, 2010-2011 - NATICK/TR-11/017. The participants were measured countrywide, in all five Brazilian Geographical Regions. Thirty-nine anthropometric measurements related to cockpit design were selected. The results of 2133 males and 206 females aged 16-52 years constitute a set of basic data for cockpit design, space arrangement issues and adjustments, protective gear and equipment design, as well as for digital human modelling. Another important implication is that this study can be considered a starting point for reducing gender bias in women's career as pilots. Practitioner Summary: This paper describes the first large-scale anthropometric survey of the Brazilian Air Force pilots and the development of the related database. This study provides critical data for improving aircraft cockpit design for ergonomics and comprehensive pilot accommodation, protective gear and uniform design, as well as digital human modelling.
authors.affiliation: a Operational Human Performance Graduate Program , The Brazilian Air Force University , Rio de Janeiro , Brazil.|b Department of Environmental Medicine, Program of Ergonomics and Biomechanics , New York University , New York , NY , USA.
authors.forename: Gilvan V
authors.initials: GV
authors.lastname: da Silva
authors.affiliation: b Department of Environmental Medicine, Program of Ergonomics and Biomechanics , New York University , New York , NY , USA.
authors.forename: Manny
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Halpern
authors.affiliation: c Consortium for Science, Policy & Outcomes , Arizona State University , Tempe , AZ , USA.
authors.forename: Claire C
authors.initials: CC
authors.lastname: Gordon
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000337:Aerospace Medicine; D000401:Aircraft; D000886:Anthropometry; D049628:Body Size; D001938:Brazil; D019992:Databases as Topic; D004867:Equipment Design; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008889:Military Personnel / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D000070356:Pilots; D011482:Protective Devices; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Anthropometry; Brazilian Air Force; cockpit design; flight deck, pilot accommodation