The use of graphs in the ergonomic evaluation of tall pilots' sitting posture

A survey has shown that the average height of KLM pilots has increased by 18 mm (0.7 in) per decade in the last 20 years. Around 6% are taller than 1905 mm (75.0 in), the upper limit of pilot height for flight deck design. With the use of graphs of the flight deck, we established that the main problem of tall pilots is insufficient legroom. Of all KLM/NLM aircraft types, the Boeing 747-200/300 and the Douglas DC-9 are most uncomfortable for pilots taller than 1960 mm (77.2 in). In the Airbus A310, pilots of 2000 mm (78.7 in) have insufficient legroom. The other aircraft types do not present difficulties for pilots up to 2030 mm (79.9 in). Ergonomic adaptations on the flight decks of the Boeing 747-200/300 and the Airbus A310 are necessary to alleviate the problems of tall pilots. Future aircraft types should be designed to accommodate tall pilots. If ergonomic adaptation of the flight deck is impossible, anthropometric limits for pilot selection have to be employed.