afrotccadet10

hello all,

i am currently a freshmen in college and enroled in air force rotc. i am hoping to get a pilot slot and eventually become an air force aviator! But, i am a pretty lanky guy... 6'4'' 170 pounds on a heavy day; im sort of the runner type. (i get just under 100 on pft so thats not what im worried about), but ive seen videos on youtube and what not showing people passing out from like 7 g's in a centrifuge even when theyre short and stocky and that gets me a bit worried. so, for my future aircraft options, i am basically ruling out any sort of fighter because i just dont think id be able to take 9 g's. and i was wondering about anybodies opinion regarding me being skinny and my aircraft options: a10, bombers, helos, heavies? bombers appeal to me most, but i dont know if id have to endure the same amount of g's for a bomber as a fighter because fighter and bomber are in the same track. any info/ advice/ or opinions would be greatly appreciated. thanks

peterpilot379

Don't rule out anything. True, taller, lanky body types don't tolerate G's as well as the short stocky type but it varies too much from person to person. You may have no problems at all pulling Gs so I say go for it. There are plenty of airplanes out there that don't pull a lot of Gs if you discover you can't pull 'em. Good on you for looking way ahead at all the obstacles but dude, pulling Gs is the least of your worries at this stage of the game. Getting to pilot training is hard enough...baby steps. If you can't let it go, then I suggest you go get some rides in something aerobatic that will pull Gs. Then you'll know what you are up against. Good luck.

EFD01

UPT will help you figure out what you want to fly. Get the slot and get through UPT, you'll figure out where you fit by then.

1Seat 1Engine

I would say that there is a definite correlation between height and g tolerance. That does not mean that very tall people can't fly fighters or are too g-intolerant to fly fighters.

The 'fuge is worse than the actual aircraft if you ask me. Many people have trouble with it and go on to be fine in the airplane. They also do a great job of publicizing the video's of the dudes who pass out, and that might skew your impressions.

At 6-4 you'd be pretty close to the max height allowable to fit the cockpit, but I've known more than one F-16 pilot your height. F-15 and A-10 cockpits are much roomier. Can't speak for the F-22 but judging by the rest of the airframe, I'm going to guess it's got plenty of room.

My advice, start smoking, lots of cheesburgers and hit the gym!

Split S

We have a USMC Harrier pilot in my squadron callsign ""Rachnid" as he is literally built like a daddy long legged spider. As previously posted, don't rule anything out - make them tell you no.

Hacker15e

The good news is that, given how in love with running the AF is these days, you're certain to be a "2 below" kind of guy, regardless of your actual abilities!

ExAF

Like many of the others said, don't let your height stop you. I've known many a tall lanky fighter pilot. You might try to hit the weights some if you are not already lifting regularly and try to add some mass. If you need a few extra pounds, you can have some of mine. Cheers and good luck.

TankerDriver

Just make sure you buy an extra large pair of PT uniform shorts so that your twig and berries aren't hanging out. Just take in the waist. Sorry, but tall people just look WRONG in PT gear (so do fat people).

blastboy

Fly the C-17! I love that fat bird! I thought about joining the airforce a few years ago but they couldn't guarantee me a flying job. If I joined, I'd want to fly the C17. Also, your body will adapt to the whole g-force thing. Your body's ability to retain blood in certain regions will improve but like the man said, "baby steps". Read anatomy books, learn about the skeletal muscle pump, physiology, blah blah blah....I dont know if they have g-force physiology books.

iahflyr

I seriously hope you are not referring to cigarettes. It is the year 2007. If anyone starts smoking cigarettes, you are a complete idiot.
If you are talking about a drug, doesn't that disqualify you from being a pilot in the Air Force!

I really hope you were kidding about the smoking comment. You could ruin this poor kids life!!!