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News Release
New High Tech CF Aircrew Selection
Air Force / Force aérienne NR 06.001 - March 28, 2006
OTTAWA – The Canadian Forces are the first in the world to develop and implement new automated aircrew anthropometric selection procedures and standards based on specific operational requirements.
“This is an excellent example of how we are employing leading edge technologies to transform into a relevant, responsive and effective force for the 21st Century,” said LGen Steve Lucas, Commander of Air Command and Chief of the Air Staff. “These new procedures and standards also represent an excellent opportunity for more Canadian men and women to pursue a career as a pilot in the Canadian Forces.”
Working with the Air Force, scientists at Defence Research and Development Canada in Toronto have developed a method of digitally scanning the physical dimensions of potential aircrew candidates. The cockpits of all CF aircraft fleets were assessed to accurately determine the body dimensions required to safely operate in these environments. A computer program then analyzes these sets of data to determine which aircraft fleets an aircrew candidate would be physically eligible to fly. Appropriate and timely decisions can then be made regarding the continuation of aircrew selection, training and career planning.
It is expected that these new anthropometric procedures and standards will result in more people, particularly women, being eligible to pursue military pilot training. In the past, anthropometric standards were based on statistical data gathered in the 1960s and were not tailored to specific and current aircraft cockpits.
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FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:
Captain Genevieve Mitchell
Air Force Public Affairs
613-944-5841
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