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At the Kalamazoo Air Zoo this past weekend, I was able to sit in the cockpit of a (is it Spanish or Italian built?) 109...it was one of the types that has a larger front end and the 4 bladed prop. I could not believe how cramped the cockpit is. In fact it was so small, I would not have been able to fly it. The rudder pedals were so close, my knees were bent so far that I would not have been able push on the pedals. Also, there was so little room between the seat and the canopy that I would've had to crouch down to get the canopy closed. I would say you'd have to be 5' 5" or less in order to fly this plane...my 6' frame simply would not fit...I'm guessing all the 109 pilots had to be small guys or they just wouldn't fit...any American fighters of the time that I've sat in had much roomier cockpits...
There are height limits for jet pilots, to do with losing your knees when ejecting, I hear.During my time in the USAF in the late 60s, I saw a lot of fighter pilots, plus one of my cousins was one also.
Most of these guys were not big guys, but they were well muscled, like high school football stars maybe, but not big hulking brutes .
Medium to approaching even short in height.
During my time in the USAF in the late 60s, I saw a lot of fighter pilots, plus one of my cousins was one also.
Most of these guys were not big guys, but they were well muscled, like high school football stars maybe, but not big hulking brutes .
Medium to approaching even short in height.
I've also heard the average USAF fighter pilot is extremely intelligent, attractive, and well endowed.
Except for me of course...
Cheers,
Biff
PS. Sorry I couldn't resist!
In the italian Air Force maximum height for Pilots is 6' 2".