Page 5 - Aerotech News and Review, April 1, 2022

FEMALE, from 4
international relations is incredibly re- warding. As a T-38 pilot, I support the 416th Flight Test Squadron by chasing test aircraft and also serve as a red air (enemy) platform for our 412th fight- ers to utilize their mission and test sys- tems against.”
Peterson, meanwhile, is qualified in the backseat of the T-38, F-16D and C-12. In addition to flight duties, she teaches a curriculum at the USAF Test Pilot School on the interaction be- tween human and aircraft systems. A key focus is on the physical measure- ment of aircrew, called anthropometric measurements, and how it affects the interface with the systems.
Not only does aircrew measure- ments affect flight equipment, such as flight suit/G-suit/harness sizing, but it also can affect aircrew operation of aircraft with visibility through things like a Heads-Up Display. Designing systems that allow for a wide range of aircrew allows the Air Force to focus on aircrew ability and potential when selecting mission sets, Peterson ex- plained.
While attending Test Pilot School, all the students go through an anthro- pometric measurement lab where di- mensions such as sitting height, dis- tance between knee to hip, head size (for helmets), mouth width and height (for mask sizing), etc. are measured. From this laboratory, the Air Force maintains a profile on the anthropo- metric characteristics of the aircrew workforce.
The students receive numbers that fall anywhere between 5 to 95 percen- tile for standard measurements; these numbers can then be used when air- crew evaluate systems. Peterson said it was an eye-opening moment when she received her measurement numbers for mask fitting, in the 5 percent range, and understood why Aircrew Flight Equipment had challenges finding a good mask fit for her.
“I have always been mission fo- cused in my work; what is the big
picture and why does it matter? The reason I have been focused on aircrew flight equipment recently is that it re- moves one of the perceived barriers for both men and women,” she said. “Historically if you were in a percen- tile that didn’t allow for the right fit in an airplane or equipment it would limit your opportunities.”
As the female aircrew workforce increases, using anthropometric mea- surements allows test and design teams to ensure our Air Force equipment and
systems meet the needs. Recent suc- cess have included the incorporation of female flight suits and G-suits that properly fit female body types over the traditional equipment.
“Additionally, getting female appro- priate equipment was one additional
Nolan Cooney, 412th Operations Support Squadron Aircrew Flight Equipment Specialist, verifies the proper flight equipment fit for Caroline White, 412th Operations Group Standards and Evaluations Deputy Chief, as she prepares to conduct a training sortie from Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., March 3, 2022.
Anitta Schumacher, 412th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron T-38 Crew Chief, gives the thumbs up to Caroline White, 412th Operations Group Standards and Evaluations Deputy Chief, as she prepares to conduct a training sortie from Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., March 3, 2022.
Air Force photographs by Bryce Bennett
lems,” Peterson said. “With the support from Caroline, the past couple years have seen great strides in devel- oping better systems for the Air Force. With new bladder relief systems our female aircrew can support long duration flights with- out concern for hydration or performance.”
White’s personal expe- rience while she was de- ployed drives her to con- tinue striving to make flight equipment better suited for women.
“I have memories of fly- ing six-hour sorties into Syria wearing body armor, flight vest, weapons, NVGs (night vision goggles) and having no real method of meeting my physiological needs, which ultimately made my job as a warfight- er more difficult,” White said. “If I can help others in the future to not be in that situation, I will be relieved that they can be physically relieved.”
hurdle that women had to overcome. To have the best military in the world, we need to give opportunities to all different backgrounds. Our diversity is what makes us strong, we cover each other’s blind spots and can come up with creative ways to solve prob-
Managing Partner California’s Custom Pool & Spa Builder
661-273-7231 www.alanjacksonpools.com
Veterans Salute Package
• $1,000 Community Fee
• 10% Rent Discount
• $1,000 Move-in Credit
• $100 Barber/Salon Voucher
• $75 Handyman Voucher
• Veterans Gift Package and Photo Hanging on the “Wall of Heroes”
38722 Orchid View Place Palmdale, CA 93550 RegencyPalmsPalmdale.com • 661.860.6331
April 1, 2022
Aerotech News and Review
5
www.aerotechnews.com ........ facebook.com/aerotechnewsandreview